“Can’t You Just Give Me Some Antibiotics?” Why We Legally—and Ethically—Can’t Prescribe Without an Exam
We get it. Your pet has an issue. You’ve Googled. You’re 80% sure it’s the same thing they had last year. And now you’re wondering:
“Can you just give me some antibiotics? I really don’t want to bring them in.”
As much as we’d love to make things that easy, the short answer is: No, we can’t.
Not because we don’t want to help—but because we legally aren’t allowed to, and ethically we shouldn’t. Let’s break it down.
First and Foremost: It’s the Law
In order to prescribe any medication—especially antibiotics—we must have a valid Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR). That means:
- We’ve examined your pet in person
- We know their current health status
- We’ve determined that the requested treatment is appropriate and necessary
Without that? Prescribing is illegal. Yes, even if we’ve seen your pet before. Yes, even if they “always get this.” Yes, even if you’re really, really sure it’s the same thing as last time.
Why Antibiotics Aren’t Always the Answer
Antibiotics are amazing when used correctly. But using them “just in case” or without knowing the real cause of a problem can lead to:
- Ineffective treatment if the issue isn’t bacterial
- Masking signs of more serious conditions
- Unnecessary side effects, like vomiting or diarrhea
- Harm to your pet, if the wrong antibiotic is used for the wrong condition
And most importantly…
The Bigger Battle: Antibiotic Resistance
We’re not just battling your pet’s infection—we’re battling superbugs. When antibiotics are overused or misused, bacteria get smarter. They evolve. They adapt. And suddenly, the meds that used to work… don’t.
This isn’t just a veterinary issue—it’s a global public health concern. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can spread between animals and humans, and the consequences are real: fewer effective treatments, longer illnesses, and higher medical costs for everyone.
In this arms race between bacteria and modern medicine, every unnecessary antibiotic is a lost round. That’s why both human and veterinary doctors are working hard to prescribe only when truly appropriate—and why we take that responsibility seriously.
There’s a Bigger Picture We Don’t Want to Miss
That ear infection you’re sure needs drops? Might be a ruptured eardrum.
That coughing dog? Might be heart disease, not kennel cough.
That “same old UTI”? Might be bladder stones, not bacteria.
If we don’t examine your pet, we could miss a more serious—or different—cause entirely. And we like being right. That’s kind of our thing.
But What If My Pet Hates Coming In?
We get it. Some cats go full jungle panther the moment the carrier appears. Some dogs think we’re the absolute worst until the liver treats come out.
We promise—we’re here to make visits as low-stress as possible. We offer fear-free handling, gentle restraint, pain management, and in some cases, pre-visit medications to help make things easier. Let us work with you—we want this to be as stress-free as it is medically sound.
The Bottom Line
We love your pets. We want what’s best for them—and for you. But that means doing things the right way, not the fastest way. So when we say we need to see them first, it’s not about money or inconvenience. It’s about giving your pet the safe, effective, legal care they deserve—and helping preserve antibiotics for the future of veterinary and human medicine. Call PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic in Dubuque to schedule an appointment. We’re happy to help you figure out what’s going on—and create a plan that actually works.