Antibiotics offer no benefit in treating dogs with diarrhoea

Last Updated: 04 Oct 2023 19:00:35 A new VetCompass study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has revealed that veterinary prescription of antibiotics at first presentation of uncomplicated diarrhoea in dogs causes no difference in clinical resolution of these cases. The study suggests that dogs with uncomplicated diarrhoea do not need antibiotics as part of their veterinary care plans. These findings will help veterinary surgeons provide the best care for their dog patients while also avoiding unnecessary use of antibiotics, and also ensure that owners know what to expect when seeking veterinary advice. Diarrhoea is the sixth most common disorder affecting dogs annually in the UK. The condition can cause stress and discomfort for affected dogs and can be challenging for owners to manage. While antibiotics can be beneficial for some diarrhoea cases when there is a known bacterial infection or septicaemia, for decades antibiotics have been commonly prescribed even without evidence of a bacterial cause in the belief that they were helpful in uncomplicated diarrhoea cases too. Until now, there has been limited research to show the value either way of antibiotics for treating uncomplicated diarrhoea.