Leptospirosis is a disease emerging throughout the United States that can infect you and your dog. The severity of this illness can vary widely from dog to dog, all the way from asymptomatic carriers to acute organ issues. Luckily, leptospirosis is treatable if caught early. Here are some tips on how to spot the symptoms and how to treat leptospirosis in dogs.
Stages of Leptospirosis in Dogs
Dogs contract leptospirosis when they come into contact with infected wildlife urine or areas contaminated by infected urine. Most commonly, dogs take in the leptospirosis bacteria through mucous membranes—typically the gums—or through any kind of break in their skin, such as a shallow cut. If your dog drinks from water contaminated with leptospirosis, is bitten by an infected animal, or eats infected tissue or carcasses, it can contract the disease.
Though the bacteria does die if left without a host, warm, wet areas, especially those without much water flow such as lakes and ponds, can keep the leptospirosis bacteria alive for months. Fortunately, the signs of leptospirosis can be easy to spot. It’s essential to keep a close eye on your dog to see whether it exhibits any of these symptoms:
- Fever
- Lack of energy
- Decreased appetite
- Sudden increase in drinking water
- Difficulty breathing or increased panting
- Vomiting
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin, eyes, or gums)
Transmitting leptospirosis from dogs to humans is a possibility. Even if your dog doesn’t exhibit any of these symptoms, it may be carrying leptospirosis and just not showing it. If you suspect your dog has come into contact with wild animal urine (typically rodents), it’s best to see a vet soon so that you can avoid getting sick.
If left untreated, leptospirosis can get worse, leading to severe kidney injury, as well as damage to the liver. Leptospirosis can be fatal, but with proper and swift treatment, your dog can recover and go back to living its everyday life. The best thing you can do for your dog is bring it to a vet at the first sign of illness.
Treatment Options for Leptospirosis
One of the first steps you can take to protect your dog against leptospirosis is a vaccine. The leptospirosis vaccine for dogs offers protection against leptospirosis after only two initial shots followed by occasional boosters. Getting your dog vaccinated will help ensure that any resulting illness will be less severe and more easily treated, even if your dog comes into contact with the disease.
Leptospirosis is typically treated with antibiotics and consistent care. The leptospirosis prognosis is often good, with most dogs surviving the disease without lingering side effects. Of course, the best course of action when treating leptospirosis is to take your dog to the vet. Your dog can experience lasting kidney or liver damage, which is why it’s crucial to act quickly if you suspect your dog is sick.
A vet has many steps they can take to treat your dog, including using an IV to keep your dog hydrated, administering pain meds if needed, and making sure your dog receives adequate nutrition. If your vet diagnoses leptospirosis early, this may be all that’s required to treat the illness and see your dog through it. Your vet will advise you on how best to care for your dog.
For more severe leptospirosis cases, your dog may need hospitalization. However, treatment is swift, with most dogs recovering from leptospirosis after only one to two weeks of hospitalization and care. If your dog does need hospitalization, it’s crucial to follow up with regular checkups at the vet, especially in the days and weeks immediately following treatment.
How to Treat Leptospirosis in Dogs at Home
Even with a vet’s help, there’s still plenty you can do to care for your dog at home. Supportive care can help your dog recover faster while reducing the risk of contracting leptospirosis yourself. Below are some precautions you can take to keep your family, including other pets, safe if your dog contracts leptospirosis.
- Give your dog antibiotics as prescribed by your vet. If giving a pill, hiding the medication in a treat is an excellent way to get your dog to take it easily.
- Avoid touching your dog’s urine and keep others away from it as well.
- If your dog pees inside, clean it as quickly as possible with a household cleaner/disinfectant, wearing gloves while you do so to avoid contact with the infected urine.
- If possible, isolate your dog to avoid exposing other pets and family members to the illness.
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially after touching your sick dog.
- Try to keep your dog away from areas other people and animals frequent, so it doesn’t spread contaminated urine in those areas.
- Clean your dog’s bedding and water bowls frequently and thoroughly, especially if it shares these objects with other pets.
Your vet will tell you what else you can do to keep your dog comfortable and healthy as it fights off leptospirosis. By following the treatment plan they prescribe and keeping your dog isolated as much as possible, you can help your dog get better while ensuring no one else gets sick.
Let Penny Paws Help Your Dog Heal
If you suspect your dog has contracted leptospirosis or are thinking of getting your dog vaccinated, Penny Paws Animal Clinic can help. With clinics throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, including in Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, and Arlington/Mansfield, we’re here to help keep your dog happy and healthy!
We also offer mobile vaccine clinics in Dallas–Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Abilene, where you can schedule your dog’s vaccinations to protect it from leptospirosis. To schedule an appointment, visit our appointment portal or call us at 817-522-1992.