Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can be potentially fatal. In this article, you will learn more about the symptoms and therapy of this serious multi-organ disease. We will also reveal how you can protect your beloved pet and contribute to a long, healthy life for your dog.

Perhaps your canine companion enjoys slurping water from puddles, or relishes cooling off in the pond during summer heat. If you live in a rural area, encounters with hedgehogs and foxes might be common. In that case, caution is advised in summer and early autumn: your furry friend could become infected with Leptospires—thread-like bacteria.

Leptospirosis is a condition that occurs worldwide, with more than 250 variants. Ten of these can pose a threat to our four-legged friends. The pathogens also affect other animal species such as horses, pigs, and cattle. Transmission typically occurs through the urine of infected wild animals like foxes, wild boars, hedgehogs, rats, and mice, serving as reservoir hosts for Leptospires. Transmission from dogs to humans is also possible.

How does Leptospirosis spread?

Infected dogs do not always show symptoms, but they can still excrete the pathogen in their urine. If your companion comes into contact with it during a walk, there is a risk of infection.

In a humid and warm climate, the bacteria can survive for up to six months. They are found in stagnant waters such as ponds, puddles, lakes, and pools. Transmission also occurs through saliva, semen, placenta, milk, and amniotic fluid.

The bacteria enter your dog’s body through mucous membranes and tiny skin wounds, making their way into the bloodstream. Subsequently, they multiply and spread throughout the body, primarily affecting the kidneys and liver. The spleen, central nervous system, eyes, and respiratory tract can also be affected.

The proliferation of bacteria and damage to cells lead to the symptoms of Leptospirosis.

Although the disease can affect dogs of all ages, severe cases primarily occur in very young dogs and those without vaccination protection.

Leptospirosis Symptoms in Dogs: How to Recognize the Disease

Not every infection with Leptospires results in symptoms. Whether they manifest and their severity depend on the bacterial variant and your pet’s immune status. Both acute and chronic courses can occur.

But how can you recognize this disease in your furry friend? The initial signs are nonspecific: diseased dogs often appear lethargic and have a fever. They may stop eating. In addition to loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea in dogs are early indicators.

As these symptoms also occur in other diseases, identifying Leptospirosis in its early stages is not straightforward.

During the course of the disease, additional symptoms may manifest:

Acute or chronic kidney failure may occur. Severe lung bleeding and coagulation disorders are also potential risks. In the worst-case scenario, the disease can be fatal. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian if you observe symptoms of illness in your four-legged friend.

Especially after bathing in stagnant waters and after contact with wild animals, you should carefully observe your four-legged family member.

What is the treatment for leptospirosis in dogs?

Your four-legged companion needs immediate attention from a veterinarian. Ideally, bring them to an animal clinic where they can be hospitalized if necessary. Describe your pet’s overall condition and provide your veterinarian with your observations as accurately as possible.

The veterinarian will likely conduct a thorough examination of your furry friend. Leptospires can be detected in urine, blood, and tissues. Through additional X-rays and ultrasound examinations, the veterinarian can assess the extent of organ damage. They may also prescribe pain medication for your dog.

To treat the infectious disease, your veterinarian primarily uses antibiotics in two phases:

Additionally, your veterinarian focuses on treating the incurred damages. If your dog’s kidneys fail or there is liver inflammation, your companion may need to be hospitalized. Infusions, dialysis, or oxygen may be required.

What is also important: high-quality, easily digestible nutrition. Anifit’s wet dog food contains exclusively food-grade ingredients. If your beloved pet has suffered organ damage, species-appropriate nutrition helps minimize the strain on the organism.

The food is available in many different varieties, and we particularly appreciate the high meat content of up to 99 percent. This highlights the focus on species-appropriate nutrition because our furry companions are omnivorous carnivores. As such, they primarily need meat.

Is leptospirosis in dogs curable?

If the disease is recognized early, and your pet receives medical care, there is a 50 percent chance of a complete recovery. However, chronic kidney or liver damage may persist.

Your pet is only temporarily immune to this disease even after recovering from an infection and successful therapy: the protection ends after about six months, and they can become infected again.

This is why prevention is crucial.

Leptospirosis Dog Vaccination: How to protect your furry friend from severe cases

Vaccination can protect your pet from this severe illness. The vaccine covers the Leptospira variants that are particularly common in the US, leading to a milder course of the disease and a reduction in the excretion of the pathogens.

Have your puppy vaccinated against leptospirosis at the ages of eight and 12 weeks and again at 15 months.

If your pet is already older, they need two vaccinations approximately three to four weeks apart. After this primary immunization, an annual booster is sufficient. This interval is crucial for continuous vaccine protection. If you skip a year, your furry friend will need a new primary immunization.

It’s best to mark “Leptospirosis Dog Vaccination” in your calendar to ensure you don’t forget this important date. According to the guidelines of the Veterinary Permanent Vaccination Commission, it is a mandatory vaccination for dogs.

Conclusion

Leptospirosis is a serious illness. The best protection against severe cases is vaccination. Any contact with stagnant waters and wild animals carries a certain risk. Wild boars and foxes are reservoir hosts for various bacteria.

If you want to prevent diseases like leptospirosis and anaplasmosis in your dog, keep them away from stagnant waters and wild animals.

If your pet shows behavioral changes or exhibits symptoms of illness, do not hesitate: go to the veterinarian! Whether your dog has constipation, bloody diarrhea, IBD, Cushing’s syndrome, or leptospirosis, medical assistance is essential for a speedy recovery.