Watch for These Signs of Antibiotic-Resistant Infections in Dogs

Every dog owner knows that dogs love us unconditionally, and they make our lives more joyful with every passing day. This is why it is incredibly important to understand how to keep your dog safe, including from antibiotic-resistant infections that can occur.

If you think your dog might have an antibiotic-resistant infection, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Ron’s Animal Hospital & Emergency in order to get diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Offering our expertise and services to Simi Valley, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Chatsworth, and areas nearby Ventura County, California, we understand that your dog’s health and safety is top priority.

The Signs of an Antibiotic-Resistant Infection in Your Dog

Recognizing an antibiotic-resistant infection in your dog is one of the most important skills that you can have as a pet owner. Since our dogs cannot communicate with us exactly when or how they feel sick or uncomfortable, it is our job to be able to intuitively read the signs of any sickness that occurs. Some of the most common signs of an antibiotic-resistant infection in your dog are:

• Itching and flaky skin. If you notice your dog excessive itching and licking specific areas of himself, or flaky skin on your dog’s body, this could be a sign of antibiotic-resistant infection. Take note of how long your dog has been itching and scratching, and call Dr. Ron’s Animal Hospital and Emergency.
• Pawing at the ear. If your dog begins pawing at its ear suddenly and consistently, this points to an ear infection. Try taking a look inside your dog’s ear. If it appears red and inflamed, this points to a deep infection that should be seen right away.
• Frequent urination or trouble urinating. Frequent urination or even trouble urinating at all could be a sign that your dog is experiencing antibiotic-resistance. Your dog’s kidneys could be working overtime to compensate for the antibiotics not working, which could become a medical emergency. Drive them to an emergency animal hospital immediately.
• Visible infection at a recent surgery site or lesion. If you see a visible infection at a recent surgery site or lesion that has already been examined and treated by a veterinary professional, this could be a sign that the medication or antibiotics previously prescribed are not working. It is important to inform your vet right away.
• No improvement upon taking antibiotics. The easiest way to know if your dog has an antibiotic-resistant infection is if it has been taking antibiotics for an extended time with little to no improvement. It is important to tell your veterinary professional as soon as you notice that symptoms are not improving in order to avoid additional health complications.
• Fever and chills. If your dog has a fever or chills, this can be a sign of resistance to antibiotics. Touch your dog’s head and ears. If they feel very warm or even hot to the touch, your dog might have a fever.

It is always best to accompany this at-home examination with a thermometer to make sure. On the other hand, if your dog seems to be vibrating or shaking, it could mean that it has chills associated with antibiotic-resistant infections. If either of these symptoms arise, take your dog to Dr. Ron’s Animal Hospital & Emergency Immediately.

The Best Treatment for Antibiotic-Resistant Infections in Dogs

After re-examining your dog and diagnosing an antibiotic-resistant infection, your veterinary professional will most likely prescribe an antimicrobial. This antimicrobial will act similarly to the antibiotic, attacking the infection that is making your dog sick. If your dog begins to also show the uncommon signs of an antimicrobial resistance, then longer and more excessive treatment might be necessary.

Trust Dr. Ron’s Animal Hospital & Emergency with Your Beloved Dog

Voted the #1 pet hospital for over 19 years, Dr. Ron’s Animal Hospital & Emergency is proud to serve the residents of Simi Valley, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Chatsworth, and areas nearby Ventura County, California, for all their pet needs. At Dr. Ron’s Animal Hospital & Emergency we understand that your dog really is your very best friend, and we treat every dog as such.

Although we are a full care facility, our main goal is to keep your pet healthy with preventative examinations and affordable vaccinations, spay and neutering services, and dental care. We have a new state of the art facility that includes the best in-house laboratory and digital radiography, and always provide regular care during the day with emergency care after normal hours.

Whether your dog simply needs a check-up or could possibly be suffering from an antibiotic-resistant infection, you’ll feel reassured that they’re in good hands when you bring them to Dr. Ron’s Animal Hospital & Emergency.

posted on January 26, 2021 at 8:33 am by Doctor Ron