Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can affect dogs as well as people. The bacteria thrive in moist environments and water. Early treatment is crucial, as more severe forms of leptospirosis can be fatal. Recognizing the symptoms of leptospirosis in your pet is vital for early detection and treatment. 

As a veterinarian, I'm here to share some good news: there's a vaccine to prevent it!

Key Takeaways

  • Leptospirosis spreads through contact with contaminated urine, water, soil, or infected animals
  • Watch for symptoms like fever, lethargy, vomiting, and jaundice
  • Prompt antibiotic therapy and supportive care are essential for managing leptospirosis
  • Maintain your dog's hygiene to reduce the risk of leptospirosis

In this blog post, I'll explore how this disease is transmitted, the signs to watch out for, and how early diagnosis and treatment give your pet the best chance of full recovery.   

What is Leptospirosis in Dogs?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by tiny, spiral-shaped bacteria called Leptospira. There are many strains of Leptospira, but they all love warm, wet places like stagnant water or flooded soil. These bacteria can survive for months, especially after heavy rain or flooding. This is why peak incidences of Leptospirosis often occur between July and November.

While more common in rural areas, Leptospirosis can also be found in urban environments, usually carried by rats and rodents.

Although dogs are most susceptible, other animals like cats can be affected, and there's also a zoonotic risk to humans. 

How is Leptospirosis Transmitted?

Leptospirosis is transmitted to dogs primarily through direct contact with urine from infected animals. Dogs can also contract the disease by exposure to environments contaminated with the bacteria, such as water, soil, food, bedding, or garbage. The bacteria can enter through mucous membranes or broken skin, especially when dogs swim in or drink contaminated water.

Additionally, dogs can become infected by biting or consuming tissues from an infected animal.

Symptoms of Lepto in Dogs

Symptoms of Leptospirosis can mimic those of other diseases, complicating the initial identification process. The severity of symptoms depends on the virulence of the leptospira bacteria causing the infection and the host's susceptibility.

Common clinical signs of Lepto in dogs include:

  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle pain
  • Joint stiffness
  • Jaundice
  • Increased thirst and urination

Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?

Let’s Start!
Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?
1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?

Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?

1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?
Restart Test

Share Quiz

Health Complications of Canine Leptospirosis

If untreated, Leptospirosis can cause serious health issues in dogs. 

Renal (Kidneys)

Leptospira bacteria can live in the kidneys for weeks to months, leading to inflammation and swelling, which impair normal kidney function. 80-100% of infected dogs will show some degree of kidney involvement in blood work.

Liver

The liver is the second most common organ affected by Leptospira species. Leptospirosis causes hepatitis (liver inflammation) and poor liver function, often resulting in jaundice or icterus in the skin, mouth, and whites of the eyes.

Hemorrhagic (Bleeding)

Leptospirosis can lead to bruising on the skin and mucous membranes. Bleeding elsewhere in the body can cause bloody diarrhea and vomit due to coagulation abnormalities.

How to Treat Leptospirosis in Dogs

Treating Lepto in dogs involves antibiotics, such as Doxycycline, and are commonly prescribed for at least two weeks. Amoxicillin, ampicillin, and penicillin are also used in the acute stages.

The earlier the antibiotics are started, the better chance of recovery.

Most dogs require intensive hospital care, including intravenous fluids and other supportive measures. Leptospirosis can take up to a week or longer to clear from the urine, so it is important to wear gloves and other protective gear to prevent transmission.

Preventing Canine Leptospirosis

You can take several preventive measures to protect your pup from leptospirosis. These include:

  • Schedule your dog for a yearly canine Lepto vaccine to prevent the disease. The vaccine is strongly recommended for dogs engaged in outdoor activities

  • Avoid contact with potentially contaminated environments or animals

  • Remove standing water in yards

  • Isolate infected animals

  • Good hygiene – wash hands after handling animals or cleaning up urine

  • Household disinfectants such as a dilute bleach solution can get rid of leptospira in the environment

Conclusion

Leptospirosis is preventable! Schedule an in-home vaccination visit your BetterVet veterinarian to talk about the lepto vaccine for your dog. Prevention and early detection is crucial. If your pup seems off, such as feverish, sluggish, or vomiting, schedule a home vet visit promptly.

Save the Date and Vaccinate Your Pet at Home

Protect your pet's health without the stress of a trip to the vet. Preventative care is safer and hassle-free with BetterVet.

Book an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Lepto be passed to humans?

Yes, Lepto can spread to humans via exposure to contaminated urine and environments, making individuals who are immunocompromised, young, and old most susceptible. Seek prompt medical attention if suspected of being exposed to lepto or showing signs of illness after exposure to an infected animal.

How common is leptospirosis in dogs?

Leptospirosis infections are on the rise. Dogs that spend time outdoors, participate in water-related activities, or live in endemic areas (areas where the disease is commonly found) have a higher risk of exposure.

Is it possible to treat leptospirosis in dogs at home?

If caught early, some dogs can be treated with antibiotics only. However, many cases require hospitalization due to the severe effects of the Leptospira bacteria on the body's organs, particularly the kidneys and liver.

What are the early signs of leptospirosis in dogs?

Early signs of leptospirosis may be nonspecific and can resemble other illnesses. These signs include fever, lethargy, low appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle pain. Not all dogs will exhibit all these symptoms, and the severity can vary. Some dogs may show no clinical signs or only mild symptoms.

Can a dog survive leptospirosis?

Yes, with early antibiotic treatment and aggressive fluid therapy, survival rates are reported at 50-90%. 

Do dogs really need a leptospirosis vaccine?

Yes. If you live in an endemic area OR participate in activities with your dog that promote a greater chance of exposure, then the vaccine is a must.  

Is there a lepto test for dogs?

Yes, there are two main tests for Leptospirosis in dogs: PCR and MAT. PCR detects genetic material of leptospira species in blood or urine. MAT checks for antibodies against lepto, determining the serovar causing the infection. It may take 2-4 weeks to confirm the diagnosis.

Sources:

  • Bouvet, J., Lemaitre, L., Cariou, C., Scotto, M., Blain, C., Oberli, F., Cupillard, L., & Guigal, P. (2020). A canine vaccine against Leptospira serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae, Canicola, and Grippotyphosa provides cross protection against Leptospira serovar Copenhageni. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, 219, 109985. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetimm.2019.109985
  • Miotto, B.A., Tozzi, B.F., Penteado, M. et al. Diagnosis of acute canine leptospirosis using multiple laboratory tests and characterization of the isolated strains. BMC Vet Res 14, 222 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-018-1547-4