08/14/2024
In light of the leptospirosis cases we have seen recently -
In a rural, suburban, or urban setting, sometimes all it takes is a moment or two for your dog to pick up an infection like leptospirosis. Leptospirosis, commonly referred to as “lepto,” is a disease that can cause serious illness in dogs and other animals. It can spread to people, too.
Lepto bacteria live in standing water, soil, or other places contaminated by an infected animal’s urine (this is called urinary shedding). These can be rats, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, and other wildlife or even an infected dog. Lepto can be found in cities as well as out in the country and can survive in moist environments for months. When your dog comes into contact with a contaminated area, lepto can get into their body through their mouth, nose, eyes, or cuts and wounds in their skin. The disease multiplies in the dog’s bloodstream and travels to their kidneys and other organs. In severe cases, lepto infections can be fatal.
You never know what your dog will get into, so it’s important that they’re protected from diseases like leptospirosis. Call or email us to set up a lepto vaccination appointment.
