What Should I Know?
During your dog’s next annual visit, your veterinarian will recommend that your dog receive the Lepto vaccine and explain why this is now encouraged as part of your pet’s overall preventative care plan. You do not need to make a special appointment for the vaccination unless your dog is high risk.
How Can I Protect My Dog?
Don’t let your dog drink from puddles or any slow-moving or stagnant water and avoid letting them swim in rivers, ponds, marshes, or lakes if they have not been vaccinated for Lepto. Cases of this disease typically spike in rainy seasons when wetter conditions give its pathogens an opportunity to surface and find new hosts.
What Are the Symptoms?
Dogs usually show signs of illness one to two weeks after the initial exposure. Be on the lookout for:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle pain or stiffness
- Increased thirst and urination
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you see any of these signs in your dog.
For more information on vaccines, read our complete blog post here.