Irrespective of whether you are a pet owner for a long time or you became one just recently, there is one thing in common. All of us only want what is best for our furry friends. However, many pet lovers and owners are unfamiliar with certain bacterial infections that can get transmitted from their four-legged pets to them. One of those is Leptospirosis. Therefore, we are giving you complete information that you, as a pet owner, should know about a disease called Leptospirosis.
It is a bacterial disease that can affect not only animals but also humans. Basically, it is an infection that comes from a bacteria named Leptospira.
The bacteria Leptospira can spread through the urine of infected animals. It can mix into the water or the soil, where it will be able to sustain itself for weeks or even months. Animals can get infected when exposed to the contaminated soil or water as the bacteria can enter through broken skin or the soft tissues inside the mouth, eyes and nose.
Generally, Leptospirosis is not transmitted from person to person. However, it can be transmitted from pets to humans.
The clinical symptoms of this disease vary in nature and are not entirely specific. Sometimes, pets may not even have symptoms. However, here are some common clinical Leptospirosis symptoms observed in pets, especially dogs.
If your pet is showing any of these signs, it is best to consult a vet.
Here are the symptoms of Leptospirosis in humans.
In most cases, these symptoms can easily be mistaken for other diseases in humans. Also, some infected people may not show any signs. The Leptospirosis incubation period in humans is approximately 48-96 hours. The illness usually starts with fever. Conventionally, there are two phases of this disease in humans.
After the first phase, which includes the symptoms, the person may recover for some time but will fall sick again. In the second phase, given that it occurs, it is more devastating. The Leptospirosis patient's kidney or liver may fail, or it can even lead to meningitis. The disease lasts for around three weeks, maybe longer. You should know that recovery can take many months without proper Leptospirosis treatment.
In 2016, the AVA, the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority, reported a drastic spike in dogs with Leptospirosis. There were zero infected animals in 2014, which shot up to 18 cases in 2016. However, things have stabilised since then.
A dog vaccine for Leptospirosis is therefore not compulsory (a non-core vaccine). However, the vaccine is recommended for dogs that spend more time outdoors or are always exposed to water bodies. Consult your veterinarian to discuss if a Leptospirosis vaccine is required for your dog.
Another thing that you should note is that there is no one Leptospirosis vaccine that is cross-protective against all serovars (subtype). A vaccinated pet can fall ill again, given that it is exposed to a different serovar.
We hope that this article will help to keep yourself and your pet safe from Leptospirosis. Following the precautions is essential, and we can infer that vaccination dramatically reduces the risk of contracting Leptospirosis and therefore also its transmission from animals to humans.
Our vet, Dr James’ opinion is that the Leptospirosis vaccine is the most important vaccine your dog can get due to the severity of the disease itself, the ease with which your pet can contract it and its zoonotic potential.
Here are some precautions to follow to do your bit to reduce the transmission of Leptospirosis.
Click here to learn more about other common dog diseases!
This article is endorsed by perrovets' vet, Dr James Blanshard
Going to the vet is important for pets' health but sometimes they're scared. Why are animals afraid of visiting the vet?
Confused of which vet to bring your pet to? Read more to find out about what types of vets there are available!
Read on to find out how you can differentiate a pet veterinarian from a wildlife veterinarian.
Dog treats are not created equal. There are quality treats that are vital sources of energy and support the immune system and organ function while others are empty calories...
Ever wondered why black pets are frowned upon? Find out how you can put a stop to this problem.
Walnuts are nutritionally rich and this makes them great for human consumption. However, can the same be said for dogs?
Diarrhea can point to conditions that are life-threatening for puppies.
Watermelon contains many vitamins and minerals beneficial for your dog. However, there are some precautions to note before giving your dog watermelon.
Yoghurt can be good for your dog's nutrition, but what type of yoghurt is best?
"An apple a day keeps the doctor away"... Is this saying true for dogs?
Cases of vomiting in puppies are more serious than in adult dogs. Read on to find out more!
Dental procedures are performed as a day procedure under anaesthesia, most commonly in Dogs, Cats and Rabbits.
Learn more about the most common dog diseases!
A dog drinking excessive amounts of water can be a sign of a health problem!
Working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic would increase the risk of dogs having separation anxiety.
With so many anti parasite products available on the market, it can be somewhat overwhelming deciding which one is best for your lifestyle and your dogs’ health.
All you need to know about Kennel Cough!
What you should know about Parvovirus!
Long ago, the ancestors of today’s pet cats and dogs thrived as predators. To achieve the full spectrum of nutrition that they needed, they were inclined to eat most of their prey. With domestication...
A dog may throw up because he has eaten something that his digestive tract disagrees with or he may have gobbled down food too quickly...
Parasites can be a major concern at some point in the lives of pet dogs. They are one of the top reasons for visits to the veterinarian.
Dogs benefit from regular health checks and dental visits to the veterinarian. But how often is enough? How do you know when to take your dog to the vet?
Why is your dog battling with separation anxiety and how you can overcome it.
Anxiety is a normal emotion that dogs and cats may experience. The effect of anxiety on individual pets varies significantly. Anxiety disorders...
Though seemingly insignificant, your dog's dental health should not be overlooked.
A lack of mental stimulation can result in a plethora of behavioural issues.
Should you feed your dog raw food?
Many dog owners will be familiar with the awkward scenario of their dog unexpectedly humping another dog, an inanimate object, or even a human leg.
Simply delicious or a symptom of illness?
A healthy dog is a happy dog!
Does inhalation of cigarette smoke affect our pets?
Why can't you get rid of that smell?
It may seem strange, but there's a good reason why your dog is chomping down on grass.
It may or may not be a sign of illness, but it's best to find out if it is.
Vet answers burning questions!
Questions answered by the Vet.