Antimicrobial Resistance In Dogs

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116 – September, 2026

By Barbara Williston

Antimicrobial resistance is no longer a theoretical concern discussed only in medical journals. It is a growing reality affecting both human and veterinary medicine, and one that many healthcare professionals have been warning about for decades. The overuse, misuse, and inappropriate selection of antibiotics have contributed to the emergence of bacteria that are increasingly difficult and sometimes nearly impossible to treat. Responsible antibiotic stewardship has become one of the most important challenges facing modern medicine and veterinary care.

My experience with antimicrobial resistance has been deeply personal. It has shaped the way I approach healthcare decisions for my dogs and has led me to examine every aspect of infection management, prevention, and antibiotic use.

Less than two years ago, I lost a young dog just days before her third birthday after a prolonged battle with a multidrug-resistant bacterial infection. Her case was one of the most severe examples of antimicrobial resistance that many of the veterinarians involved had encountered.

Early in this dog’s life we had identified concerns regarding bacterial resistance with culture and sensitivity testing. Despite this knowledge, she was prophylactically prescribed several courses of antibiotics. Whether this contributed to the resistance patterns we later encountered is impossible to determine with certainty; however, it raised important questions for me about the role of frequent and prolonged antibiotic exposure and the potential consequences of preventive treatment.

Click here to read the complete article
116 – September, 2026

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