Canine Leptospirosis: Understanding This Bacterial Infection and its Risks

Even though this illness can be found worldwide, very few dog owners know about it. Canine leptospirosis, or lepto, is a bacterial infection caused by one or more of the bacterial strains, Leptospira.

Although lepto has been around for thousands of years, we are seeing more cases emerge as our contact with wildlife in both rural and urban areas increases.

How Would My Dog Contract Lepto?

Dogs contract the disease by coming into contact with infected wildlife, including the urine of raccoons, skunks, deer, foxes, coyotes, and rodents. This is often the case with dogs who like to snarf dirt or drink pond or lake water.

Originally, lepto was thought to be more of a rural problem, but many urban areas are reporting an increase in diagnoses, especially among urban indoor dogs.

Areas with moderate temperatures and wet climates tend to foster more cases of leptospirosis, which is why it is a special focus of concern for us here in the San Antonio area. Combined with a thriving population of urban and rural wildlife and a lot of rain and moisture, central Texas has become a hotbed of the disease.

What are the Symptoms?

When symptoms emerge they often include high fever, vomiting, depression or weakness, and stiffness or difficulty walking.

The problem is sometimes pet owners do not notice the symptoms or they remain so subtle that the disease has time to progress. Over time, long-term kidney or liver damage/failure can result as a more severe manifestation of the disease, making the illness an obvious worry for pet owners.

Preventing Canine Leptospirosis

The good news is that there are some precautions we can take to protect our dogs, including a vaccine. While the vaccine does not target all strains, it does address the most common forms of Leptospira. Considering the prevalence of lepto in Texas, we recommend speaking with the team at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital to discern your pet’s level of risk.

Since the disease is zoonotic, and therefore transmittable to humans, many pet families opt for the vaccine as an additional precaution.

We also encourage you to avoid areas with stagnant pond or lake water with your dog, or at the very least, discourage him from ingesting standing water. Minimize your pet’s exposure to wildlife by keeping the home and yard rodent-free, sealing gaps in the exterior of the home and garage, as well as keeping trash in a secure bin.