What is Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that causes serious illness in dogs, other animals, and even people. The disease is caused by spiral-shaped bacteria called leptospires that live in water or warm, wet soil and is largely spread through rat urine which contaminates stagnant water.
Dogs can present with many different symptoms ranging from lethargy, fever, diarrhoea and vomiting to kidney and liver failure.
How Do I Protect My Pet?
The Village Vet recommends that all dogs be vaccinated against this disease. The vaccination starts with a course of two injections 2-4 weeks apart.
Minimising Risk of Exposure
- Avoid allowing your dog to drink or go into stagnant water that may be contaminated e.g. ponds, lakes or puddles. Instead, take your own portable bowl to the dog park.
- Keep rodent problems (rat, mice, or other animal pests) under control but please be careful, rat bait is highly toxic.
- Walk your dog on a lead in high-risk areas- especially those dogs that love chasing rats and those that like swimming in ponds/rivers.
- Visit or call the clinic if your dog shows any signs of illness.
Need Help?
Book online or call The Village Vet Pymble 9499 4010 or Killara 8350 5678 directly. We are here to help and always remember, prevention is better than a cure.
