By following these guidelines, you will not only help protect your horse’s health but also aid in efforts to prevent antibiotic resistance and preserve the effectiveness of our antibiotic arsenal for years to come.

1. Trust Your Veterinarian’s Judgment

Antibiotics are not always necessary, and sometimes they can even be counterproductive. Resist the urge to demand antibiotics for every condition. Antibiotics are effective against bacteria but not against viruses.

2. Understand That Different Infections Require Different Antibiotics

The antibiotic that worked for your horse’s previous infection may not be suitable for a new problem. Different bacteria require different approaches, and factors like the infection’s location and your horse’s current health status influence the choice of antibiotic.

3. Be Patient with Diagnostic Testing

Sometimes, laboratory tests may be needed to identify the organism causing an infection. This process can take time, but it ensures that the most effective antibiotic will be prescribed.

4. Stick to the Prescribed Schedule

Timing is crucial when administering antibiotics. Follow the prescribed dosing schedule as closely as possible, even if it means enlisting help from others. This will help maintains a consistent level of medication in your horse’s system, which in turn will maximize its effectiveness.

5. Complete the Entire Course

Even if your horse appears to have recovered, it’s essential to finish the entire prescribed course of antibiotics. Stopping early can leave stronger, more resistant bacteria behind, potentially leading to a more aggressive infection in the future.