Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is increasingly reported in canine medicine, with growing attention to multidrug-resistant (MDR) and hypervirulent strains. Although its overall prevalence in dogs appears relatively low, published studies indicate that affected animals may harbor clinically important resistance determinants, including extended-spectrum β-lactamases and, less frequently, carbapenemases. Canine isolates described in the literature also carry virulence-associated traits such as hypermucoviscosity and enhanced iron-acquisition systems, which overlap with features of high-risk human lineages and suggest potential, but largely inferred, interspecies links. These observations highlight the relevance of a One Health perspective and the importance of coordinated surveillance that includes companion animals. This narrative review synthesizes available literature on the epidemiology, clinical presentations, antimicrobial resistance, virulence traits, and molecular characteristics of K. pneumoniae in dogs. We critically evaluate evidence suggesting that dogs may function as reservoirs, sentinels, or amplifiers of MDR strains, particularly in clinical settings or following antimicrobial exposure. In addition, we summarize emerging alternative and adjunctive strategies-such as bacteriophage therapy, antimicrobial peptides, anti-virulence approaches, microbiome-based interventions, as well as strengthened antimicrobial stewardship and infection-control practices-that are under investigation as complements to conventional antibiotics. Overall, published evidence indicates that K. pneumoniae infections in dogs represent an under recognized but potentially important clinical and One Health concern. Continued surveillance, responsible antimicrobial use, and rigorous evaluation of non-antibiotic strategies will be essential to inform future veterinary practice and public health policy.