Does your dog show worrying symptoms (e.g., fever, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, jaundice) after swimming, staying in daycare, or outdoor activities that can expose them to Leptospira bacteria? If so, it’s possible they might have leptospirosis, a life-threatening bacterial infection. Their risk is increased if they don’t have the leptospirosis vaccination.
This extensive guide on leptospirosis in dogs by Sploot Vets discusses how the disease is transmitted, leptospirosis symptoms in dogs, treatment, and preventive measures.
Overview:
- Leptospirosis can infect rodents, wildlife, livestock, dogs, and humans.
- Leptospirosis in dogs can be contracted by drinking or swimming in contaminated water or via contact with contaminated soil.
- This bacterial infection is best treated as soon as possible to reduce the risk of permanent systemic damage.
I. What is Leptospirosis in Dogs?
Leptospirosis in dogs is an infectious bacterial disease caused by bacteria under the genus ‘Leptospira’. The bacteria damage the dog’s kidneys and liver, potentially leading to kidney and/or liver failure. In some cases, dogs may also suffer from complications involving the lungs and heart (e.g., lung disease, myocarditis).
1. Leptospirosis in Dogs: The Bacteria & Host Animals
Leptospirosis in dogs is caused by various serovars or strains ofptospira
After dogs are infected, they will shed the active bacteria in their urine, potentially for months or even years after treatment. However, dogs are NOT the only hosts of Leptospira.
Here is a list of some of the host animals that can carry Leptospira and shed the bacteria in their urine:
- Wild mice and rats
- Backyard wildlife like raccoons and skunks
- Other dogs and, in some rare cases, cats
- Horses and cattle
- People
2. How Dogs Can Get Leptospirosis
Leptospira from infected urine thrive in moist environments, such as soil, water, and garbage, and can survive for weeks to months.
Leptospira can enter the dog’s body through cuts, scrapes, or mucous membranes (i.e., in the eyes, nose, mouth, stomach). Therefore, leptospirosis in dogs can be contracted through the following:
- Sniffing or licking infected urine directly
- Swimming in contaminated water
- Drinking contaminated water from a pool, puddle, or water bowl
- Having contact between broken skin and contaminated soil/surfaces
- Licking muddy paws after stepping on contaminated soil/surfaces
- Ingesting contaminated garbage
- Licking or biting an infected animal
3. What Are The Signs of Leptospirosis in Dogs?
Some dogs that become infected with Leptospira are asymptomatic and some develop noticeable clinical signs or symptoms.
Leptospirosis symptoms in dogs appear as a result of the body’s immune reaction to the infection, liver damage, kidney damage, and systemic inflammation. In some cases, the heart and lungs can also be affected.
Symptoms of leptospirosis in dogs include:
- Fever and weakness
- Vomiting and diarrhea (and consequent dehydration)
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Yellowing of the eyes, gums, or skin (jaundice)
- Blood in urine, stool, or nose
- Muscle pain and stiffness
- Swelling of limbs or abdomen (edema)
- Difficulty breathing and coughing
- Cloudy or red eyes with squinting (uveitis)
II. Diagnosing Leptospirosis in Dogs
Diagnosing leptospirosis in dogs can be challenging and involves a combination of a clinical diagnosis (based on symptoms and exposure risks) and laboratory tests.
After a physical exam, vets may request the following lab tests that screen for leptospirosis in dogs:
- Complete blood count (CBC) – Vets look at the values for platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells from a hematology analyzer. These give clues if the dog’s body is showing signs of bacterial infection.
- Blood chemistry panel – Veterinarians examine various kidney and liver markers to assess the condition of these organs, which are typically affected by leptospirosis.
- Urinalysis – Vets look for signs of inflammation or kidney dysfunction through chemical and microscopic analyses of the dog’s urine.
If a dog shows concerning values and reports from the above screening tests, the veterinarian may request the following tests:
- Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) – This is the confirmatory test for leptospirosis in dogs. It detects antibodies against Leptospira strains in the dog’s blood. It is considered the gold standard test for leptospirosis in dogs.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) – This test can be requested in combination with MAT. It is a highly sensitive diagnostic tool, typically used for the early detection of leptospirosis in dogs.
III. Is Leptospirosis Curable in Dogs?
Leptospirosis is generally curable in dogs, especially if diagnosed and treated during the early stages of the disease. By doing so, kidney and liver damage can be prevented. However, untreated leptospirosis in dogs can lead to permanent kidney and liver damage, even after treatment.
Here is a breakdown of some of the leptospirosis treatments available for dogs:
- Oral or IV Antibiotics – these are given to treat the Leptospira infection and the carrier state. IV antibiotics may be preferred if the dog is vomiting. Oral antibiotics are typically prescribed for a duration of around 2 weeks after the dog is discharged from the veterinary clinic or hospital.
- Anti-vomiting medications – these help prevent dehydration and support nutrition while the dog is recovering.
- IV Fluids – these may be given as part of supportive care after the dog is brought to the vet clinic or hospital in order to prevent dehydration and support kidney function
- Oxygen therapy – this may be given as part of supportive care if lung involvement or severe systemic illness occurs.
- Hospitalization – this may be required in severe cases of leptospirosis in dogs, allowing for close monitoring of kidney or liver function, as well as prolonged oxygen therapy (around 1 to 2 days) if needed.
IV. How to Prevent Leptospirosis in Dogs
Leptospirosis in dogs is a life-threatening illness. The good news is that there are some steps you can take to protect your dog from this bacterial infection
1. Boost Your Dog’s Immunity [Leptospirosis Vaccine]
The leptospirosis vaccine for dogs is essential for preventing this life-threatening disease. It is also considered a core vaccine by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), meaning it is generally recommended for all dogs.
The leptospirosis vaccine for dogs works by introducing an inactivated form of Leptospira, thus training the dog’s immune system to fight against live bacteria if encountered later on. The vaccine can help prevent infection or lessen its severity.
2. Reviewing Your Dog’s Environment
Most cases of leptospirosis in dogs come from environmental contaminants. Here are some key questions to help you assess leptospirosis exposure risks in your dog’s home environment.
If the answer is yes for any of these, that may be an opportunity to improve your dog’s safety:
- Does the home have a rodent infestation?
- Does your dog have free access to an outdoor space that’s also frequented by rodents or backyard wildlife (e.g., raccoons, skunks)?
- Is your dog’s water bowl unprotected from rodents and other potential carriers of Leptospira?
3. Taking Extra Caution: Swimming, Daycare, or Boarding
Other common ways dogs can be exposed to Leptospira include close contact with infected dogs and swimming in contaminated water. If you’re planning to take your dog to a swimming spot, daycare, or boarding, here are some tips to keep them safe:
- If possible, opt for daycare/boarding facilities that require a clean bill of health and the leptospirosis vaccination.
- Always check reviews or recent advisories before taking your dog to a swimming spot or a daycare/boarding facility.
- Do NOT take your dog swimming if they have cuts, scrapes, or any broken skin, as these increase the chances of getting infected.
- Be aware that stagnant water (especially when located outdoors) has a higher risk of Leptospira contamination. Even without cuts, avoid stagnant waters, particularly during peak leptospirosis seasons (mid-to-late summer, early fall) .
V. Frequently Asked Questions: Leptospirosis in Dogs
1. Are There Seasons When Leptospirosis in Dogs is More Common?
Yes. Leptospirosis in dogs is more common during certain seasons, particularly mid-to-late summer and early fall. This is due to warmer temperatures, increased rain, and more outdoor activities during these times of the year.
2. Can Humans Get Leptospirosis from Dogs & Vice Versa?
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease. Therefore, humans can get leptospirosis from dogs. Similarly, dogs can get leptospirosis from humans. This is because both dogs and people are possible hosts of leptospirosis. However, transmission between people and dogs is not common, especially with good hygiene practices.
3. What Precautions Should I Take If My Dog Might Have Leptospirosis?
Because leptospirosis can cause serious illness in both dogs and humans, it’s important to take precautions. While your dog is awaiting diagnosis or is being treated, here are some safety tips:
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after handling your pet or cleaning up urine.
- Clean up any urine promptly and thoroughly to reduce the risk of spread.
- Keep your pet away from other pets and people while waiting for a diagnosis or during treatment.
4. Does Leptospirosis in Dogs Need Urgent Veterinary Care?
Yes, leptospirosis needs urgent veterinary care, especially if concerning symptoms appear, such as vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, loss of appetite, and jaundice.
If your dog has severe leptospirosis symptoms such as dehydration, difficulty breathing, and blood in urine, stool, or nose, we recommend seeking emergency vet care.
Final Thoughts About Leptospirosis in Dogs
We trust that you found this guide on leptospirosis in dogs helpful. If you suspect that your dog has been exposed to Leptospira, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, we recommend consulting a veterinarian. A trusted vet will be able to help provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
In addition, if your dog is not vaccinated for leptospirosis, we recommend asking your vet about leptospirosis vaccination. This vaccine is considered a core vaccine by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), which means it is generally recommended for all dogs.
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Whether you need to bring in your dog for leptospirosis treatment or you’d like further guidance on preventing leptospirosis in dogs, we’re here to help.
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