Antibiotic resistance is an issue that affects every veterinary and human healthcare provider. There’s no way to sugarcoat it: Antibiotic resistance is a very real existential threat for humanity.

The problem is many small animal veterinarians don’t see themselves as responsible or contributing to antibiotic resistance. This week we’ve got a veterinary expert who research proves small animal vets and vet techs are part of the problem — and solution.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT are joined by a veterinarian who has been conducting research on veterinarian and veterinary technician’s attitudes toward prescribing antibiotics. Dr. Dan Taylor recently successfully earned his PhD at Colorado State University and discusses some of his findings.

Dr. Taylor also shares how he found his passion for this topic after years of general practice and even a stint as food inspector, and why this topic is even more important after the Covid pandemic.

Dr. Taylor gives practical advice for the common scenario of a pet parent demanding “But you’ve got to give my pet SOMETHING!” The trio also review communication and treatment options to dispensing antibiotics, and why vet techs are essential in calming nervous pet parents (and young vets!) worries about not giving an antibiotic.

Viewfinders, this is another tough topic that small animal veterinary professionals need to talk more openly about. How do you handle pet parents who “want some medication” or “just refill his last antibiotic prescription?”

If you want to learn more about Dr. Dan Taylor’s current research project evaluating pet parents’ attitudes toward antibiotics, email him at: dantaylordvm@gmail.com