Understanding and Preventing Leptospirosis: A Serious Threat to Pets
At Lake Pine Animal Hospital, we are committed to the health and safety of your beloved pets. Recently, we have observed a worrying increase in leptospirosis cases, a highly contagious disease that poses a significant risk to both pets and their owners. Understanding the risks, symptoms, and prevention methods to protect your furry companions from this preventable illness is important.
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is an illness caused by bacteria spread through the urine of infected wildlife, such as squirrels, raccoons, foxes, and rodents. Pets can contract the disease by drinking contaminated water or ingesting infected soil.
Is My Pet at Risk?
Pets particularly at risk include those who:
- Hike, wade, or swim in natural bodies of water.
- Are exposed to flooded areas.
- Reside in areas with prevalent wildlife.
- Frequent dog parks and boarding facilities.
Symptoms of Leptospirosis
The symptoms in both dogs and humans include:
- Fever
- Shivering
- Muscle tenderness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Abdominal pain
Prevention Through Vaccination
Given the seriousness of leptospirosis and its prevalence in our area, we strongly recommend vaccinating any dog that spends time outdoors.
- Vaccination Protocol: A two-shot series, administered 2-4 weeks apart, followed by an annual booster.
- Lifestyle Vaccines: These are tailored to your pet's daily routine and potential exposure risks.
Take Action to Protect Your Pet
Leptospirosis is a preventable disease, and vaccination is a key step in ensuring the safety and well-being of your pet. If your dog is at risk or you have concerns about leptospirosis, we encourage you to contact us for more information and to schedule a vaccination.
Lake Pine Animal Hospital - Your partner in safeguarding the health of your pets.
If you have questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (919) 380-1157, or you can email us at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram.