What Dog Owners Should Know About Canine Leptospirosis

Preventative medicine is a key part of keeping our pets healthy. Dog owners can work alongside a veterinarian at Blue Lake Animal Hospital to prevent common health issues in dogs, including infections like canine leptospirosis. This serious, common disease puts your dog’s health at risk, meaning you need to find effective methods to keep your furry friend safe. Here’s what dog owners need to know about canine leptospirosis. 

What Is Canine Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that affects both people and animals, and pets are no exception. Canine leptospirosis occurs specifically in dogs when they are infected by Leptospira, which is a bacteria that thrives in wet, warm conditions such as water, mud and damp grass. If the conditions are ideal, the bacteria can live for over three months outside of a body. 

Dogs typically get leptospirosis when it is transmitted through mucous-membrane contact, which includes the eyes, nose and mouth. The infection can also occur if a dog eats or is bitten by an infected animal, such as rats, opossums, raccoons, pigs and other known carriers. An infected dog can also give it to other dogs if they are in close contact. Due to the wide range of potential carriers, all dogs are vulnerable to infection, even if they only go outside briefly in their day-to-day routine. 

How Leptospirosis Can Affect Your Dog’s Health

In its early stages, leptospirosis can cause a number of symptoms, including a decreased appetite, lethargy, unusual inactivity, diarrhea and vomiting. Between 10 to 15 percent of dogs with this infection can die, even if they receive immediate treatment. The disease can cause liver or kidney failure if untreated. 

Preventing Leptospirosis

The best method to prevent leptospirosis is through vaccination. It isn’t reasonable nor ideal to limit outdoor exposure for the majority of dogs. The second-generation leptospirosis vaccine we provide at Blue Lake Animal Hospital protects dogs from the four variations of the disease and involves fewer adverse reactions than older versions. 

Leptospirosis vaccination makes it possible to prevent the disease, and widespread vaccination will further the efforts to reduce infections of this illness. The more dogs that are vaccinated, the lower the risk. 

What to Do If You Believe Your Dog Has Leptospirosis

If you suspect that your dog may have developed leptospirosis, you need to call your veterinarian at the soonest opportunity. Our team at Blue Lake Animal Hospital can perform a thorough examination and diagnostic testing to begin treatment right away. Early medical care makes it more likely that your dog will survive. 

Call Today to Visit Our Veterinarian

Leptospirosis is a serious illness in dogs that owners should be concerned about. Take the necessary steps to prevent this disease in your pet by contacting Blue Lake Animal Hospital to learn more about our vaccination services. Our team offers a comprehensive range of veterinary services to help you keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Call our office now to schedule a check-up.