Leptospirosis in Dogs: Protect Your Pet from This Serious Threat in Texas

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can be deadly for dogs if left untreated. Fortunately, there are steps you can take steps to prevent your pet from contracting this disease. Read on to learn about leptospirosis, how to tell if your dog has it, and how to protect them from becoming infected.

What is Leptospirosis?

As defined by the AVMA, Leptospirosis is a disease caused by infection with Leptospira bacteria, which can be found worldwide in soil and water. Many strains of Leptospira bacteria can cause disease, and many mammals are susceptible, including dogs, people, livestock, and certain wildlife. Although cats may also become ill, this happens only rarely.

Leptospirosis (also known as Lepto) is more prevalent in warm climates with high rainfall, but it can occur anywhere, particularly after heavy rains and flooding. So, unfortunately, the disease is prevalent in Texas.

Wildlife, such as squirrels, rats, mice, raccoons, possums, and deer, are common carriers. Therefore, the disease is not only a rural concern but can cause concern in our backyards. Leptospirosis is zoonotic, which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans. This underscores the importance of preventing and managing the disease, as it poses a risk to both pets and people.

Infected wild and domestic animals can continuously or occasionally spread the disease in the environment for several months to years. Leptospirosis can cause severe liver and kidney disease and even death in pets. Dogs are most at risk, while the disease is rare in cats.

How Can Dogs Become Infected?

Both humans and animals can become infected through contact with contaminated water or soil. The bacteria enter the body through the skin, mainly via cuts or scratches, and through the eyes, nose, or mouth. Drinking contaminated water can also cause infection.

Dogs are most commonly exposed to leptospirosis through outdoor activities like swimming, drinking from puddles or streams, or contacting infected animals. It can also be contracted through exposure to an infected animal’s waste or other indirect contact.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Leptospirosis in Dogs?

Signs and symptoms of leptospirosis in dogs vary depending on the type and stage of the infection. Common symptoms include:

Fever
Decreased appetite
Lethargy
Vomiting
Dehydration
Jaundice (yellowish tint to the skin)
Difficulty breathing
Stiffness or lameness in joints
Muscle pain or tenderness
Increased thirst
Inability to produce urine
Seizures

The time between exposure to the bacteria and disease development is usually 5 to 14 days, but it can range from a few days to over 30 days. Leptospirosis causes severe damage to the kidney and liver and may be fatal in critical cases.

If you think your pet may have Lepto, contact College Hills Veterinary Hospital immediately. We can perform tests to determine whether your pet has the disease. If left untreated, these signs can worsen quickly.

Treatment for Leptospirosis

Treatment options for leptospirosis depend on the severity of the symptoms. They may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, supportive care such as fluids and nutrition supplements, and hospitalization in extreme cases. Although recovery can take time, most dogs can fully recover with proper veterinary care.

Vaccinate Your Dog Against Lepto: Prevention is the Crucial!

A canine leptospirosis vaccine is available for all healthy dogs at risk for the disease. In this area of Texas, we highly recommend the vaccine. However, the vaccine is not required for all dogs. We can discuss your dog’s lifestyle and risks to help you determine if your dog needs the vaccine.

The vaccine is generally given yearly after the initial vaccine and booster. While it does not prevent infection 100% of the time, it dramatically reduces the disease risk. Be aware that more than 200 subtypes of Lepto bacteria can cause illness in animals and people. In addition to vaccination, pet owners should ensure their pets stay away from stagnant water and floating debris, as these areas are prone to harboring the bacteria responsible for this infection.

More Proactive Steps to Shield Your Dog from Leptospirosis

In addition to vaccinating your dog against Leptospirosis, here are other preventative measures to protect your beloved dogs:

Avoid Stagnant Water: Keep your dog away from stagnant water sources like puddles, ponds, and slow-moving streams, which can harbor leptospirosis bacteria.
Supervise Outdoor Activities: When taking your dog for walks or hikes, keep them on a leash to prevent contact with potentially contaminated water or soil.
Prevent Wildlife Contact: Minimize your dog’s interaction with wild animals, which can carry and spread leptospirosis bacteria.
Maintain Clean Living Areas:Regularly clean and disinfect areas where your dog spends time, especially if your dog has access to outdoor spaces.
Proper Waste Disposal: Dispose of your dog’s waste promptly and appropriately to reduce environmental contamination.
Provide Clean Drinking Water: Ensure your dog always has access to clean, fresh water to discourage drinking from potentially contaminated outdoor sources. Bring your dog a collapsable drinking bowl and fresh water when taking it on walks, hiking, camping, and other such activities.
Monitor for Symptoms: Be vigilant for signs of leptospirosis and seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect your dog may be infected.

By following these preventive measures, dog owners can help protect their pets from the severe threat of leptospirosis.

Take Action Against Leptospirosis

We have seen more cases of leptospirosis here in College Station. Therefore, we are on high alert and highly recommend vaccinations against this disease. Please feel free to discuss any concerns or questions about your dog’s exposure to leptospirosis. And if your dog is on a leptospirosis vaccine schedule, please remember to keep their appointments.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kim Stewart

College Hills Veterinary Hospital