Antibiotics

 

There are many different types of medications available that your vet may prescribe for your pet. We understand that it can all be a bit confusing, especially if you are given more than one type of medication.  We have prepared a brief summary of some of the more common products you may be given.

 

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. There are many different types available and they have different ways of killing bacteria or stopping them growing. Antibiotics do not treat viruses, which is why they are not appropriate for infections with viruses. Your vet may have a good idea which kind of antibiotic is best for the condition your pet is suffering from, or they may wish to do culture and sensitivity testing to find out which bacteria are present and which antibiotic would be the best choice.  If this is the case they may wait for the results before they start treatment, rather than using the wrong antibiotic.

 

It is always important to finish any course of antibiotics and ideally have a check up with your vet at the end of the course. This is because bacterial infections can recur if not treated fully, and bacteria can start to develop resistance to antibiotics in some of these cases.

 

Antibiotics may come as tablets, capsules or a liquid to be given by mouth. They may also take the form of topical medications, such as ear drops or creams. They may also be given by your vet in the form of an injection.  There may or may not be follow-up medication for you to give at home.