Introduction
Over-prescribing antibiotics in veterinary practice is a growing concern. While antibiotics save countless animal lives and improve welfare, inappropriate or unnecessary use contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which poses risks to animal and human health. Veterinary surgeons, nurses, and practice teams must prioritise antimicrobial stewardship as both an ethical and professional responsibility.
What Is Antibiotic Over-Prescribing?
Antibiotic over-prescribing occurs when medications are used inappropriately, including:
- Prescribing when not clinically indicated
- Using broad-spectrum antibiotics unnecessarily
- Incorrect dosing or duration
- Empirical treatment without diagnostics
Pressure from clients, time constraints, and diagnostic limitations often influence these decisions, but the consequences for AMR are significant.
Why Antibiotic Resistance Matters
1️⃣ Reduced Treatment Options
Resistance reduces the effectiveness of commonly used antibiotics, leading to:
- Treatment failures
- Longer recovery times
- Increased morbidity and mortality
- Reliance on critically important last-resort drugs
2️⃣ Zoonotic and Public Health Risks
AMR can spread from animals to humans, making it a One Health issue. Resistant bacteria can transfer:
- Between animals
- From animals to humans
- Through the environment
Common Areas Where Over-Prescribing Occurs
Even with improved stewardship in the UK, antibiotics are still frequently prescribed for:
- Uncomplicated diarrhoea
- Mild upper respiratory infections
- Clean surgeries
- Superficial wounds
- Precautionary “just in case” scenarios
Supportive care and diagnostics are often more appropriate.
The Role of Veterinary Nurses
Veterinary nurses are essential in reducing unnecessary antibiotic use by:
- Supporting infection control
- Educating clients about why antibiotics may not be needed
- Monitoring patients and reporting changes
- Assisting with sampling and lab submissions
Nursing communication reduces client pressure and encourages responsible prescribing.
🧪 Practical Strategies to Reduce Over-Prescribing
Implementing clear protocols helps combat over-prescribing antibiotics in veterinary practice. Regular audits of prescription records, combined with staff training, ensure that antibiotic use aligns with evidence-based guidelines. Encouraging diagnostic testing before prescribing, documenting clinical decisions, and reviewing each patient’s history prevents unnecessary treatment. Additionally, educating pet owners about AMR and the risks of inappropriate antibiotics fosters understanding and compliance. These steps create a culture of accountability and safe, effective veterinary care.
Practical Steps to Improve Antibiotic Use
- Follow Evidence-Based Guidelines – BSAVA PROTECT ME, practice policies, and culture/sensitivity testing
- Improve Client Communication – Confidently explain why antibiotics aren’t always required
- Audit and Reflect – Regular reviews of prescribing trends and CPD for staff
Engaging the Whole Veterinary Team
Preventing over-prescribing antibiotics in veterinary practice requires a team-wide approach. Veterinary nurses, reception staff, and veterinary surgeons all play a role in promoting responsible antibiotic use. Regular staff meetings to discuss challenging cases, sharing audit results, and reviewing recent prescribing decisions foster a culture of accountability.
Encouraging nurses to participate in client education and follow-up care ensures that treatment decisions are reinforced consistently. By involving the entire practice, antimicrobial stewardship becomes part of everyday workflow, improving patient outcomes, protecting public health, and maintaining the profession’s credibility.
Strengthening Antimicrobial Stewardship in Practice
Effective antimicrobial stewardship is central to preventing over-prescribing antibiotics in veterinary practice. Veterinary teams can implement structured protocols, such as pre-prescription diagnostics, standardised treatment guidelines, and post-prescription reviews, to ensure antibiotics are used only when necessary.
Staff education and regular audits of prescribing patterns help identify areas for improvement and reinforce a culture of responsible use. Additionally, involving pet owners in the process — explaining why antibiotics may not be needed and discussing potential side effects — builds understanding and reduces pressure on prescribers.
By combining these strategies, practices can reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, preserve the efficacy of critical medications, and protect both animal and public health.
Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility
Antibiotics are essential, but over-prescribing antibiotics in veterinary practice threatens animal welfare, public health, and the profession itself. By improving prescribing habits, veterinary teams safeguard patients today and preserve critical drugs for the future. Stewardship is about better medicine, not restriction.
Useful links:
👉 British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) – Antimicrobial Stewardship & PROTECT ME Guidelines
Provides practical guidance on responsible antibiotic use and stewardship in veterinary practice.
👉 BSAVA Position Statement on Responsible Use of Antibacterials
Explains the importance of reducing unnecessary antibiotic use and outlines professional expectations.
👉 RCVS Knowledge – AMR Hub
A UK‑based resource hub offering free evidence‑based information and tools for antimicrobial stewardship and responsible antibiotic use.
👉 BVA – Responsible Use of Antimicrobials
The British Veterinary Association’s stance on antimicrobial resistance and responsible antibiotic use as part of One Health.
Leave a Reply