By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Leptospirosis (“lepto”) is a bacterial infection that can cause fever, kidney injury, liver inflammation, bleeding tendencies, and severe systemic illness in dogs. Dogs often pick it up from water or soil contaminated with urine from infected wildlife or other animals. People can also get leptospirosis, so hygiene matters when a dog is sick. Related: leptospirosis in cats, kidney failure signs.
Key takeaways
- Classic themes include fever, lethargy, vomiting, abdominal pain, changes in urination, and sometimes jaundice or bleeding.
- Standing water, farms, wildlife-heavy yards, and warm wet seasons raise risk, but suburban dogs are not exempt.
- Vaccination reduces risk for common serovars included in the vaccine; discuss schedule with your veterinarian.
- Infected dogs need prompt veterinary care. Some require hospitalization and IV fluids.
- Use gloves when cleaning urine and ask about household precautions if lepto is suspected.
Signs that need veterinary attention
- Fever, shivering, or marked lethargy
- Vomiting, reduced appetite, or diarrhea
- Increased thirst and urination, or reduced urine output
- Yellow gums or eyes (jaundice)
- Muscle pain, reluctance to walk, or stiff gait
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Difficulty breathing (emergency)
How dogs get infected
Leptospira bacteria enter through mucous membranes or broken skin, often after contact with contaminated water. Incubation is typically several days but can vary. Not every exposed dog becomes severely ill, yet those that do can decline quickly.
Diagnosis and treatment overview
Veterinarians combine history, exam, bloodwork, urine testing, and specific lepto tests when indicated. Care may include antibiotics chosen by the clinician, IV fluids, anti-nausea support, blood pressure and electrolyte monitoring, and isolation practices in hospital. Early treatment improves outlook for many dogs, though severe kidney or liver injury can still be life-threatening.
Prevention
- Ask your veterinarian whether lepto vaccination fits your dog’s lifestyle and local risk.
- Limit unsupervised swimming in stagnant water when practical.
- Discourage scavenging around rodent habitats.
- Control rodents humanely around the home without unprotected pet access to poison baits (see rat poisoning in dogs).
FAQ
Is the lepto vaccine required?
It is often considered a lifestyle or risk-based vaccine rather than a universal core vaccine in every guideline set. Your veterinarian will advise for your region.
Can I catch lepto from my dog?
Human infection usually involves contact with infected urine or contaminated water. Practice hygiene and follow clinic advice if your dog is being tested or treated.
Talk with a vet
Risk and vaccine questions: dialavet.com. Jaundice, stopping urination, or severe lethargy: emergency care now.
References
- CDC. Leptospirosis.
- AVMA. Leptospirosis in dogs.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Canine leptospirosis.
- AAHA. Vaccination guideline themes (risk-based vaccines).
Disclaimer: Educational only. Suspected leptospirosis needs veterinary diagnosis and treatment. People with concerns should contact a physician or public health resource.
