By June Brooks, DVM
Northside Animal Hospital
You are on a walk with your dog on a warm, summer day. She pauses at a puddle and takes a few long laps with her tongue before you have a chance to stop her. Fortunately, you took the proactive step to vaccinate her against leptospirosis as that puddle was contaminated with urine from an infected raccoon.
Many people believe their dogs are safe from leptospirosis because they live in the city, but the risk is even greater in the city due to wildlife density. Dogs can become infected and develop leptospirosis if their mucus membranes or any open skin comes in contact with infected urine, soil, water or food. Besides raccoons, opossums, rats and other mammals can carry the disease. We are seeing more rats in the city attracted to backyard chicken flocks. Dogs can also be infected by eating infected tissues or carcasses of other animals.
One of the most common vectors for this disease in dogs and in humans is contact with contaminated water.
The easiest way to protect your dog from a serious infection is to vaccinate yearly. Currently available vaccines are effective with most strains of leptospira bacteria for 12 months. Reducing your dog’s exposure to sources of infection along with vaccination can reduce the chances of infection.
Here are suggestions could help reduce your dog’s chances of developing this disease: encourage your dog to drink from safe water sources on walks and hikes by packing a water bottle and bowl for her; keep your dog from finding and ingesting wild animal carcasses or feces; keep your pet from swimming in contaminated waters, especially flood water or water containing run off from fields.
What do you do if you suspect your dog may be infected? The signs overlap with many other diseases. Contact your veterinarian and schedule an examination. Blood tests, urine tests, radiographs (x-rays) and other tests may be recommended. If your dog does have leptospirosis, treatment will likely include antibiotics and supportive care.
Protecting your dog from leptospirosis is a small step you can take to help your companion live a healthy life.
