The Dangers of Dog Leptospirosis

Has your dog ever drank water out of a puddle or pond? You may think this is the easiest option at the time. However, this is a habit that you need to break immediately. Did you know that drinking from standing water can cause Leptospirosis disease? It’s true! The good news is that you can protect your furry friend and help them stay safe. Learn more about Lepto disease below.

A dog with Lepto will become extremely sick and can sometimes be fatal. The disease is a bacterial infection that enters your dog’s bloodstream. Think about it. A puddle or pond can become contaminated if another dog urinates in the water. If an animal with Lepto even urinates on vegetation your dog sniffs or puts their snout in, they could contract Lepto.

It is important to be aware that dogs contract Lepto from other animals’ urine contaminating the area. Many animals can be carriers of Lepto, including raccoons, mice, and rats. How do you know your dog may have Lepto? The symptoms usually come in slowly, so it can be hard to recognize its effects at first. Symptoms may start with drowsiness and lead to liver or kidney failure. If your dog is diagnosed with Lepto, they will be administered penicillin-based antibiotics that usually kill the bacteria. The good news is that many dogs respond quickly to the antibiotic.

You can prevent your dog from getting Lepto if you ensure they don’t drink outdoor water. To prevent this, keep water on you whenever you take walks or hikes.