Practices and perceptions of antibiotic use in canine breeding: a survey among breeders and veterinarians

Antibiotic use in canine breeding, particularly prior to mating, is frequently discussed in practice despite increasing awareness of antimicrobial stewardship and the recognition that the canine vaginal tract naturally harbors a microbiome. Diagnostic uncertainty, especially regarding bacterial culture findings and Mycoplasma spp. detection, may contribute to antimicrobial use in this setting. This study aimed to investigate antibiotic use, bacteriological testing practices, and underlying beliefs among dog breeders and veterinarians involved in canine reproduction. Two anonymous online questionnaires targeting breeders and veterinarians were distributed in Belgium and the Netherlands between October 2025 and February 2026. The surveys collected data on antibiotic use, diagnostic practices, and perceptions regarding vaginal bacteriology and the detection of Mycoplasma spp. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with antibiotic use. A total of 426 breeders and 94 veterinarians participated. Thirty-two percent of breeders reported ever administering antibiotics around the time of breeding, most commonly prior to mating. Forty-nine percent of breeders had ever had vaginal bacteriology performed in their breeding bitches, which was strongly associated with consequent antibiotic use (OR = 4.93, 95% CI 3.14-7.90, p < 0.001). In contrast, most veterinarians reported never prescribing antibiotics to clinically healthy bitches, whereas 27% had done so occasionally. Breeder request, duration of professional experience and use of genital bacteriology were positively associated with antibiotic prescribing in univariable analyses. Lack of knowledge regarding the clinical relevance of Mycoplasma spp. was observed among both breeders and veterinarians, despite frequent testing for it and a tendency toward antibiotic treatment following detection. Antibiotic use in canine breeding is influenced by bacteriological testing, diagnostic uncertainty, and precautionary decision-making. Discrepancies between breeder-reported practices and veterinarian prescribing behavior highlight the complexity of antimicrobial use in this field. Targeted education and improved communication are essential to promote evidence-based reproductive management and responsible antimicrobial use.