Look for a balanced view

“Is treatment necessary?”

Intervention is not always necessary; it can sometimes make a condition worse. It is important to consider the effects of allowing the animal’s body to heal by itself.

There are many instances when animals will recover from illness without intervention and in some cases, medical interference can make conditions worsen. It is important to consider what is likely to happen if you choose not to treat immediately.

For example, minor respiratory infections will often resolve without the use of antibiotics. While antibiotics may accelerate the resolution of bacterial infections, they are not always necessary. Overuse and incorrect use of antibiotics contributes to antibiotic resistance which has a more damaging effect in the long term. In many cases, allowing the animal’s body to fight a minor respiratory infection with close observation and any supportive treatment can be the preferred intervention.

BEWARE when treatments are advertised as imperative.

REMEMBER: A “wait and see” approach is sometimes a viable treatment option.