04/09/2025
The lepto vaccine is now considered a core vaccine for all dogs. The disease itself is a nasty one; it can cause liver and kidney failure and can be transmitted to the other pets and humans in the household. Contact us if you’re not sure if your dog is protected!
LEPTOSPIROSIS: DID YOU KNOW?
Dr. Sharon Powell
Edison Park Animal Hospital
Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial infection that affects both animals and humans. This zoonotic disease (meaning people can get it too!) is dangerous for pets, especially dogs. Understanding the risks, symptoms, and preventive measures is essential for keeping your furry companions safe.
Leptospira bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments. The bacteria are commonly found in contaminated water, soil, or the urine of infected animals, including rodents, livestock, and wildlife. Pets can contract Leptospirosis through drinking or swimming in contaminated water sources such as lakes, puddles, or streams. Also living in areas of high rainfall causing stagnant water especially in areas with high rodent or wildlife populations. Sounds like our Florida environment year round but particularly in the summer months.
People can contract Leptospirosis the same way pets get Leptospirosis. People should always wear disposable plastic gloves while handling items that have come into contact with dog urine, and wash their hands thoroughly after.
Leptospirosis presents with a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Common signs in pets include fever and lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes indicating liver involvement), muscle pain and stiffness, increased thirst and urination (a sign of kidney involvement) and respiratory distress or coughing in severe cases.
Not all dogs show signs of illness after becoming infected with Leptospira bacteria. And even once they do show ill effects, the immediate cause may not be apparent since fever and lethargy can be clinical signs of other illnesses. Typically, dog owners will see that their dog isn't feeling or acting normal with low energy, like refusing to eat, eating less, or vomiting.
Veterinarians diagnose Leptospirosis through blood tests, urine tests, and sometimes PCR or antibody tests to detect the presence of the bacteria.
Dogs will likely be outside at some point, regardless of where you live. Preventing Leptospirosis is essential for both pets and their owners. Effective measures include vaccinations to provide protection against the common Leptospira strains, avoiding stagnant water, rodent/wildlife control, good hygiene while cleaning pets living areas, and avoiding contact with urine.
