An exploratory mixed methods study on shared decision-making and antibiotic prescribing for pet cats and dogs in...

Veterinarians primarily engage pet owners in shared decision-making (SDM) to enhance treatment outcomes and owner satisfaction, but not specifically for antibiotic stewardship. This study aims to understand how SDM occurs and how to better involve pet owners in appropriate antibiotic prescribing for their pets. This is a concurrent mixed methods study, anchoring on survey data collected from 1080 pet cat/dog owners (March─December 2023) supplemented by qualitative insights from 19 veterinarians (January─July 2022). Statistical and thematic analyses were performed. Of those who received antibiotics for their pet during the last veterinary consultation (N = 415), only 22.7% engaged in SDM with their veterinarians on antibiotic prescribing. Pet owners with high degree of control and empowerment to interact with veterinary professionals were more likely to do so. Veterinarians were capable of engaging pet owners in SDM; exploring owners' needs and feeding concerns was key. Pet owners trusted veterinarians' final antibiotic decisions and desired appropriate antibiotic prescriptions from them, alongside training and advice on how best to medicate their pets with antibiotics. Proactive exploration of pet owners' needs and concerns, and providing pet owners with necessary training and advice, can enhance antibiotic stewardship for pet cats and dogs.