Leptospirosis—lepto—is a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria that affects dogs and several other species, including people. Lepto can be deadly, causing liver and kidney failure in affected pets. Our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team wants to ensure that you understand your dog’s leptospirosis risk and how you can prevent them and your family members from contracting this life-threatening bacterial infection.

What is leptospirosis in dogs?

Leptospirosis is caused by spiral-shaped bacteria that infect dogs. Lepto is a zoonotic disease, meaning infected pets can transmit the bacteria to people and cause serious illness. Lepto bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments and can survive for long periods. Lepto causes mild, transient disease in some pets but causes severe kidney, liver, and bleeding problems in others. 

How do dogs contract leptospirosis?

Dogs may contract leptospirosis through direct contact with water, soil, or other surfaces contaminated by an infected animal’s urine. Wildlife, including rodents, raccoons, and skunks, are common lepto carriers. Since these animals are present in urban, suburban, and rural settings, all dogs who venture outdoors for any reason are at risk for contracting the disease. A dog’s leptospirosis risk increases if they do any of the following:

  • Drink or swim in natural or standing water
  • Visit or live in wildlife-heavy areas
  • Spend time in day care or boarding facilities

Leptospirosis signs in dogs

A dog’s leptospirosis signs may range from mild to severe, and not all infected dogs become sick. Dogs who do develop signs may show the following:

  • Fever
  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Dehydration
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Appetite loss
  • Lethargy
  • Yellow skin or eyes (i.e., jaundice)
  • Respiratory distress
  • Bleeding or bruising

How do veterinarians diagnose and treat leptospirosis?

Lepto signs are nonspecific, which means they overlap with many other diseases and disorders. Because of this, lepto is usually high on the list of conditions we consider when diagnosing your pet. By combining physical exam findings, and blood and urine test results, our team can diagnose leptospirosis. We may also recommend diagnostic imaging, including X-rays or ultrasound, to rule out other problems and assess a leptospirosis infection’s extent and severity.

Dogs who develop symptomatic lepto may require hospitalization and intensive treatment with antibiotics and supportive care. Intravenous (IV) fluids, anti-nausea medications, and nutritional support can help your pet recover and restore or protect remaining organ function. Lepto is contagious, so hospitalized dogs are housed away from others. Dogs treated for leptospirosis early generally have a good prognosis, but those presenting with advanced illness may have permanent organ damage.

Can dogs transmit leptospirosis to people?

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means infected pets can transmit the bacteria to people. People can also contract leptospirosis from the same contaminated water, soil, or surfaces as their pets. People’s lepto signs are similar to those of infected dogs, with the bacteria often attacking liver or kidney function.

Pet owners can reduce everyday infection risks by practicing good hygiene. If your pet has a confirmed leptospirosis infection, use caution when handling bodily fluids, always wash your hands after petting your furry pal, and do not allow children or immunocompromised adults to handle your pet. If you or anyone in your household becomes sick after your dog is diagnosed, seek prompt medical attention.

Tips for preventing leptospirosis in dogs

Because leptospirosis can permanently damage a dog’s kidneys and liver, preventing them from contracting the disease is important. To protect your dog from leptospirosis infection, follow these tips:

  • Vaccinate your dog Leptospirosis vaccinations are highly effective and recommended for most dogs. Talk to our veterinary team about whether the lepto vaccine is appropriate for your pet.
  • Avoid wildlife — Keep your dog leashed when outdoors, especially at night, to avoid direct encounters with wildlife.
  • Avoid stagnant water — Do not allow your dog to drink from or swim in stagnant water, and ensure they are vaccinated if they frequently swim in natural water bodies, such as lakes or ponds.
  • Control rodents — Keep your home clean and secure trash to help deter rodents. If you have a rodent problem, use poison-free measures to eliminate them.

Leptospirosis is potentially life-threatening to dogs and people. Because lepto is spreading and becoming more common, nearly all dogs are at risk—regardless of where they live. Contact our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team to learn more about leptospirosis or to schedule a visit for your pet’s lepto vaccination.