19/07/2025
đ¨ Leptospirosis in Dogs: The Hidden Danger in Water and Wildlife đ¨
What every dog owner, breeder, and rescuer should know.
Leptospirosis (or âLeptoâ) is a serious bacterial disease that affects dogs, wildlife, livestockâand even humans. Itâs spread through water contaminated by the urine of infected animals, especially rats and mice, and it can cause organ failure or death if untreated.
đ How Do Dogs Get Lepto?
The Leptospira bacteria thrive in warm, wet environments and spread easily through:
Standing water, puddles, ponds, streams, or wet soil
Urine of infected wildlife or rodents (especially rats, mice, raccoons, opossums, and skunks)
Contaminated food bowls, bedding, or soil
Open cuts, mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth), or drinking contaminated water
Dogs can also get infected by sniffing or licking urine-soaked surfacesâand so can humans.
đ§Ź What Are the Symptoms in Dogs?
Fever and muscle pain
Vomiting and diarrhea
Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)
Increased thirst and urination
Weakness or lethargy
Nosebleeds or bloody stools
Kidney or liver failure
In some cases: sudden death
â ď¸ Many dogs show mild signs at first, making early detection difficult. It can be fatal or cause lifelong damage to kidneys and liver if not treated fast.
đĄď¸ How to Protect Your Dog:
â
Vaccinate annually (especially in rural, farm, or wet areas)
â
Donât let dogs drink from puddles, ditches, or unknown water sources
â
Control rodents around your home, kennels, or barns
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Avoid high-risk areas after flooding or heavy rains
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Disinfect surfaces with a proper cleaner if exposed to wildlife
đ¨đ¨ââď¸Zoonotic Risk to Humans:
Leptospirosis can be passed from dogs to humansâespecially through urine or contaminated water. Protect yourself when cleaning up accidents or caring for a sick pet by using gloves and disinfectants.
đ References:
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): www.avma.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis
Merck Veterinary Manual: www.merckvetmanual.com
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: vet.cornell.edu
PetMD - Leptospirosis in Dogs: www.petmd.com
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