Leptospirosis in dogs

Leptospirosis (sometimes known as lepto) is a bacterial disease that can affect dogs, other animals and humans. A dog can contract the infection without developing any disease or showing mild symptoms, but a serious infection of leptospirosis can be fatal.

Here we’ll look at the common symptoms, when you should vaccinate and how leptospirosis is transmitted.

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Symptoms of leptospirosis

A mild infection in dogs may produce milder symptoms, or the disease may not develop at all. In the event of a serious infection, a dog may, among other things, have the following symptoms:

• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Tender muscles
• Urinating less or more than usual
• Being more thirsty than usual
• Dehydration
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Shivering
• Fever
• Reluctance to move
• Painful swelling, typically in the eye area
• Jaundiced appearance to the eyes, skin or gums
• Bleeding, especially in urine or faeces

If you suspect your dog has leptospirosis, it’s important to get them checked out straight away. It can be ruinous for their liver and kidneys, and potentially fatal.

How is leptospirosis transmitted?

The condition comes from a bacteria called Leptospira, which is usually transmitted through contaminated water sources. It lives primarily in the livers of infected rodents. But excreted bacteria can survive in water, mud and urine for a surprisingly long time.

Dogs are generally infected by drinking stagnant water where an infected animal has peed, for example. But it can also be transmitted through bites or by eating an infected animal, such as rats and mice, which can be carriers of leptospirosis.

The risk of infection decreases in dry and cold weather, and increases in hot and humid weather.

Vaccinations against leptospirosis

A dog that is vaccinated against leptospirosis gets two shots, four weeks apart in the first year. Afterwards, they’ll get a further shot once a year.

If you plan to travel abroad with your dog, there are some countries that require a leptospirosis vaccination. These include Iceland, Thailand and Australia. It’s always a good idea to research what boxes you need to check well in advance of travelling.

Leptospirosis treatment

Generally speaking, leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics. But long-standing or severe cases of leptospirosis require intensive care treatment. This treatment is quite aggressive, but it’s necessary given how serious leptospirosis can become.

If this is the case, your vet may prescribe giving your dog antibiotics long-term. This will give your dog the best chance of clearing the infection and making sure they don’t become a carrier for leptospirosis.

When your dog is eating and drinking well again, they can come home and begin a course of oral antibiotics. You should also treat any other dogs living in your home for leptospirosis to keep it from spreading.

How common is leptospirosis in dogs in the UK?

Fortunately, leptospirosis is uncommon in the UK. Prevalence is low where dogs are routinely vaccinated, which is why it’s important to do so. It’s best not to be complacent just because a condition is comparatively rare.

When incidents do occur, it tends to be among dogs living in rural areas, where there’s a higher population of rodents.

Can Leptospirosis infect humans?

Leptospirosis can be transmitted to humans. But – as mentioned – it is rare in the UK.

A more common condition, especially in puppies, is parvovirus (parvo), which your dog should also be vaccinated against. Find out what to do about parvovirus here.

Related guides:

• Urinating more could be a sign of urinary tract infection in dogs; our guide explains more.
• Signs and symptoms of otitis externa ear infection in dogs.
• Other common health issues in dogs to be aware of as a dog owner.