Leptospirosis in Dogs

Leptospirosis in Dogs

Leptospirosis is caused by several strains of bacteria which are spread in the urine of animals such as rats, raccoons and skunks. Leptospirosis can affect both dogs and people with flu-like symptoms--lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and fever. However, it can also cause jaundice due to severe or permanent damage to the liver and kidneys if not diagnosed and treated with antibiotics in its early stages.  Cats are rarely affected.  Leptospirosis can be deadly and can be transmitted to people.

Leptospirosis is most commonly acquired by both people and pets by accidentally or intentionally drinking from or swimming in infected pond water. But standing water of any kind, including backyard ponds or water features, puddles in urban areas such as city parks, streets or farms can contain the bacteria and act as potential sources of infection. People can become infected with leptospirosis if they come in contact with the urine of an infected dog.

So, how can you protect your dog from leptospirosis?

• Limit contact with wildlife and do not allow your dog to drink from ponds, standing or stagnant water or slow-moving streams.
• Keep rodent populations under control as rats are carriers, but be mindful that dogs and cats may also accidentally ingest rat and mouse baits and this can have serious or even deadly consequences for your pet, so make sure pets cannot access rodent baits if you are using them.
• Vaccinate your dog. Dogs at high risk such as those who live on farms or who go hunting or camping should be vaccinated every six to twelve months. The leptospirosis bacterium is usually combined with distemper, parvovirus and other viruses into one vaccine.  At Patton Veterinary Hospital, the distemper/parvovirus vaccine is now given every three years.  Leptospirosis vaccination should be given annually unless your dog has had a documented vaccine reaction (allergic reaction such as swollen face, vomiting, not just a mild reaction such as lethargy). The annual leptospirosis vaccine is given on the “off” years when dogs are not receiving the full distemper combination vaccine.  It is considered a core vaccine by the American Veterinary Medical Association and other veterinary organizations.

While this illness is not diagnosed frequently, Patton Veterinary Hospital has had a few confirmed and suspect cases in the past, so it certainly is present in the York area. Unvaccinated dogs in high-risk settings are susceptible. Please keep your dog safe by limiting contact with standing water (do not allow your dog to drink water from ponds or streams while hiking) and by visiting us regularly to keep your dog healthy.  Leptospirosis can be fatal.  Talk to your veterinarian about whether your dog’s risk and how often he or she should receive the vaccine. Annual vaccination is recommended for most dogs.

This blog is brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.  https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/leptospirosis-in-dogs