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- Protecting Your Dog from Leptospirosis
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Pet Health
Protecting Your Dog from Leptospirosis
Be it walks by the river, enjoying local parks, or simply spending time outdoors in the sunshine, in Brisbane we enjoy an outdoor lifestyle. However, outdoor activities can expose our dogs to different environmental risks if they aren’t protected, one of these being leptospirosis.
Both Northgate Veterinary Surgery and St Vincents Vets are now stocking the leptospirosis vaccine (Ci2) to help protect Brisbane’s dogs from a common strain of this serious, and even life-threatening, disease. If your dog spends time outdoors, near waterways, or in areas with wildlife, we highly recommend this vaccination.
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a widespread, infectious disease that affects dogs, other animals, and people. It is caused by bacteria that are typically spread through the urine of infected animals, such as rats, mice and other native wildlife. These bacteria can survive in water and moist soil for months. Leptospirosis occurs worldwide; in Queensland and northern New South Wales, it occurs most commonly in warm and humid tropical areas and can increase after heavy rain or flooding.
How Can My Dog Get Leptospirosis?
Dogs can contract leptospirosis through direct contact with infected urine, or indirect contact with urine-contaminated water, soil, food or bedding. The bacteria enter through your dog’s mouth, nose, eyes or breaks in the skin.
All dogs of any breed or lifestyle can be at risk of leptospirosis, whether they live in a rural setting, the suburbs, or in the city.
Signs of Leptospirosis in Dogs
The signs of leptospirosis are not always easy to recognise. Some dogs will show mild signs, while others may develop more serious illness. Your vet may recommend tests to diagnose leptospirosis.
- Fever
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Lethargy
- Increased thirst or urination
- Loss of appetite
Can People Get Leptospirosis?
Yes. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Protecting your dog helps protect your whole family.
How Do I Protect My Dog?
As avoiding contact with leptospirosis in the environment can be difficult, vaccination is the most effective way to protect your dog from leptospirosis.
Adult dogs will require an annual vaccination, after they have received their first and booster vaccinations. For puppies, this can be given with their second and third vaccinations.
Leptospirosis is a serious, yet preventable, disease. Brisbane’s climate means that vaccination is a valuable part of your dog’s preventative health care. Now that we provide the leptospirosis vaccine, it’s easier than ever to give your dog the protection they need.
Information supplied by MSD Animal Health and Queensland Health.
Posted in Pet Health at 26 June 25