The British Veterinary Association has joined Defra, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) in launching the Trust Your Vet campaign, which urges pet owners to follow veterinary advice and trust their vets on the use of antibiotics.

Findings from BVA’s latest Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey reveal that nearly two-thirds of vets (66 per cent) feel their clients are not aware of the issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Also, almost 90 per cent of vets say that clients come to appointments with an expectation they will provide antibiotics for their pets.

BVA president John Fishwick said: “Vets are working hard to reduce the threat of antibiotic resistance to ensure these vital medicines can be used in the future. It is incredibly important that pet owners follow veterinary advice and trust their vet’s clinical judgement.”

Christine Middlemiss, UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, added: “We are a nation of animal lovers, and are committed to having some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world.

“We all want to take care of our pets which is why it’s important to remember that antibiotics are not always the best treatment. If that’s what your vet says – trust your vet.”