What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by infection with Leptospira bacteria, which are found worldwide in soil and water. Many mammals can be affected—including dogs, people, livestock, and certain wildlife. The disease can cause vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, kidney and/or liver failure, and lung disease.
Who is at risk?
All dogs are at risk of leptospirosis, regardless of age, breed, lifestyle, geographic location, or time of year.
Roaming properties with wildlife or farm animals, contact with water that has been contaminated (ponds, stagnant water, streams, etc), and social contact with other dogs (parks, walks in the neighborhood, daycare, lodging), all increase the risk of exposure.
Can leptospirosis spread to people or other pets?
Yes. It can spread to people and other pets.
Infected dogs may shed bacteria in their urine, even if they appear healthy. Humans and other pets can become infected through contact with contaminated urine, soil, or water. The bacteria can survive for months in contaminated soil.
How can you protect your pet from leptospirosis?
Veterinarians recommend that ALL DOGS be vaccinated against Leptospirosis.
Talk to your veterinarian about preventing leptospirosis in your dogs.
Why are we now requiring the Leptospirosis vaccination for all dogs in daycare and lodging?
Our leptospirosis vaccination policy is in keeping with our commitment to the health and safety of the pets in our care and the people who love them.
The American Animal Hospital Association, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine recently announced that the leptospirosis vaccine is now considered a core vaccine for all dogs. Core vaccines are regarded as exceptionally safe and provide protection against diseases that are both highly prevalent and especially dangerous to pets and/or humans.
- High-contact environment – Dogs in lodging and daycare share spaces and have frequent social contact, which increases the risk of exposure
- Environmental contamination risk – Leptospira bacteria can survive for months in water and soil. If an infected dog urinates in the facility or outdoor play area, it could contaminate the environment and put all dogs (and staff) at risk.
- Human health concern – Leptospirosis is zoonotic (can spread to people). Requiring vaccination helps protect employees, clients, and their families.
- Severe consequences – The disease can be fatal, causing kidney or liver failure along with a long list of other symptoms. Prevention is much easier than treatment.
The leptospirosis vaccine requirement keeps all pets, people, and the facility environment safer.
Source: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) https://www.avma.org