Download Understanding antibiotics - Paw Paw Veterinary Clinic

Understanding antibiotics
Antibiotics are used to help fight or prevent bacterial infections. A bacterial infection
occurs when the body’s defenses are unable to prevent bacteria from entering the body and
starting to colonize. Once the bacteria begin to colonize, their presence and waste products work
together to make your pet feel ill. When the veterinarian prescribes antibiotics, the goal is to help
the body to prevent further colonization by the bacteria. The largest problem with antibiotic use
is bacterial resistance. This occurs when bacteria are exposed to antibiotics for a short period of
time. During this time, the bacteria continue to grow and change to better survive in their
environment. If an antibiotic is presented in too short a time period and the bacteria are not
completely eliminated, it is possible that the bacteria will learn to grow, despite the presence of
the antibiotics. At this point, repeated or prolonged exposure to this antibiotic will not eliminate
the bacteria. A new group of antibiotics is often necessary to eliminate the newly resistant
bacteria.
This is why it is so important to completely finish your pet’s antibiotics. Even though
they may look and act better after just a few days, there may still be bacteria present. This
bacteria could grow to be resistant if given the opportunity. Please ask your veterinarian if you
have any questions or concerns about your pet or your pet’s prescriptions.
Please feel free to contact the Paw Paw Veterinary Clinic at 657 3114 during regular business hours or anytime at
our website, pawpawvet.com , for more information.