04/24/2025
Good morning everyone,
We appreciate the feedback regarding our previous post about the leptospirosis vaccine. To clarify, we noted that leptospirosis (lepto) is not traditionally classified as a core vaccine. At Collingswood Animal Hospital, we believe in tailoring vaccine protocols to suit each individual pet's unique needs, which is why we don't categorize lepto as a core vaccine for ALL dogs.
A core vaccine is defined as one that is deemed essential for ALL pets, regardless of their lifestyle or location. Recently, as of 2024, there has been a significant consensus among leading veterinary organizations—such as the American Animal Hospital Association, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, and the American Veterinary Medical Association—that the lepto vaccine is now considered a core vaccine for all dogs.
Why is this important? Leptospirosis is a serious disease that can lead to kidney failure and even death in dogs. Its prevalence has fluctuated over the past century, with recent spikes in certain regions. Moreover, lepto is communicable; contact with the urine of an infected dog can pose a risk to humans as well.
At our hospital, we take various factors into account when creating vaccination protocols for pets, including:
1. Age
2. Breed
3. Lifestyle
4. Underlying medical conditions
5. Working vs. non-working status
We offer a comprehensive range of vaccines and encourage pet owners to discuss their options. Ultimately, the decision to vaccinate for leptospirosis, canine influenza (CIV), Lyme disease, canine corona virus or Bordetella rests with you, and we are here to support you in making informed choices for your pets.
Thank you for your understanding.
