Vet Cautions Pet Parents To Be Aware Of Deadly Bacteria In These Three States

There’s a disease on the rise nationwide, and pup parents need to know about it. Canine leptospirosis – or Lepto – is an easily contagious disease, and its bacteria is essentially found anywhere with wildlife.

Particularly in Illinois, California, and Arizona, Lepto cases have increased in a rather concerning amount – but it’s a country-wide concern.

Lepto is contracted when a dog ingests the bacteria by drinking water that has been contaminated by infected animal urine. This can also happen if your pup licks his paws after stepping in this water. This disease can then be spread when the pup shares a water bowl or drinks from the same source as other dogs.

This condition can cause liver and kidney damage and will prove to be fatal if not treated. Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, fever, yellowing skin, or depression.

Preventative care is especially important for pups at higher risk of contracting the disease. This includes pups who frequently come into contact with flooded areas or standing water, pups who interact a lot with other pups in dog parks or by other means, and pups that often meet other animals.

Vaccinations are the surest way to protect against this disease, and these vaccines must be repeated yearly. Still, no vaccine is capable of deterring every strain of Lepto. That’s why you need to take precautionary measures, too.

Make sure to keep rodents out of your home, and make sure to watch your pup while they’re outside. Don’t allow your pups to drink from standing water or to swim in them, and bring along a supply of fresh water and a portable bowl for your pup when you’re heading out. Also, make sure to clean your pups paws after an outing.

Lepto can be treated with antibiotics, but it’s important that you keep your pups, and yourself, safe from contracting this bacteria as much as possible. Please like and share this information with other pup parents!