How Safe Is Your Pet?
Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest health threats we face today on a global scale. The misuse and abuse of this medication is the reason why antibiotics are not only becoming ineffective but downright dangerous. Not only for humans but your beloved pet as well. Pets are just as vulnerable to drug-resistant superbugs as their owners and can even catch such germs from humans. Meanwhile, cats and dogs can also transmit drug-resistant infections to anyone, according to new rel=”nofollow noopener”>research recently published in the American Society for Microbiology’s journal. For instance, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ( MRSA) is a global human health problem causing infections in both hospitals and the community. Cats, dogs, and horses are also frequently colonized by MRSA and can become infected. Previous studies showed that about 40 percent of healthy dogs carry multi-antibiotic resistant strains, a higher proportion than seen in humans. Other international studies say the spread occurs from owner to pet, not pet to owner. “It’s really important that we educate all pet owners that it is not just humans who can be affected by antibiotic-resistant bugs; animals are also at risk,” says John Fitzgerald of the the Responsible Use of Medicine in Animals Alliances. Antibiotic resistance happens when bugs become immune to existing drugs, allowing minor injuries and common infections to become deadly. These superbugs can be spread between animals and humans, as some forms of drug-resistant bacteria can be found in 40 percent of healthy dogs, for example.
Read 6 Ways to Use Silver for Pets
Woof, Meow: Antibiotic Guardians Your doctor doesn’t always know what s/he is doing when they are doling antibiotics. Imagine how easily your vet can hastily prescribe unnecessary antibiotics to your pets, who will then come home with you and lick your face with a tongue that has become weaponized with antibiotic-resistant superbugs. Pet owners are encouraged to become “Antibiotic Guardians” by following veterinarians’ directions, using them only when necessary, and staying on top of animal nutrition and hygiene. Not having effective antibiotics could pose a threat to pet health during routine procedures like setting broken bones or basic surgical operations, as doctors rely on them to help stave off possible infection. Here are 8 practical ways to avoid a human-pet-superbug interchange.
- If your pet does incur an infection or seems seems under the weather, the best thing to do is to give them a good dose of colloidal silver. Just as colloidal silver goes to work fighting bacteria and infections in the human body, it does the same for pets. The goal is to avoid antibiotics unless absolutely necessary! Silver is an excellent way to boost your pets’ immunity and prevent illnesses, infections, and diseases.
- Make sure your veterinarian doesn’t prescribe antibiotics unless they are truly necessary and have made all efforts to test and confirm which antibiotic the animal should have.
- Never transfer medicine meant for a human or another animal. Make sure that the medicine you give to your pet is specifically prescribed for them and their ailment.
- Ensure that your vet’s hands, instruments, and environment are clean.
- Wash hands before and after dealing with pets to reduce risks of infections.
- Always complete the full prescription. Although your pet may seem like they are feeling better, it’s important to keep administering the full dose.
- Do not re-use antibiotics used for earlier illnesses.
- Avoid allowing your dog to kiss you or come into contact with any broken skin.
- Feed your pet a nutritious, balanced diet to help keep her immune system healthy and strong.
Antibiotic Apocalypse: Handle With Care
During World Antibiotic Awareness Week 2015,which just ended, Public Health England (PHE) recently issued a warning urging pet owners to follow the vet’s advice when administering medicine to their animals. Not doing so could increase the risk of antibiotic resistance of bacteria such as, salmonella, E.coli and MRSA. This warning comes on the heels of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) statement that worldwide resistance was “reaching dangerously high levels.” Their recent survey shows that many people have misunderstandings about antibiotics and their use. Failing to administer medicine properly increases the risk of antibiotic resistance of bacteria, which can pass between people and their pets. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least two million illnesses and 23,000 deaths are caused by drug-resistant bacteria in the US each year. In addition, the resistance could put our agriculture and economy in jeopardy. “Antibiotic resistance is compromising our ability to treat infectious diseases and undermining many advances in medicine,” warns WHO chief Margaret Chan.
