Dogs are at risk of contracting a wide range of illnesses, many of which can cause serious health complications. Leptospirosis is one of those lesser-known diseases that can produce severe symptoms in dogs. Thankfully, a leptospirosis vaccine is available to protect your furry friend.
Are you looking to schedule a leptospirosis vaccine in Mandeville, LA? Does your dog need a leptospirosis vaccine? VetNaturally can evaluate your dog’s health and lifestyle to determine whether this vaccine is recommended. If so, we can administer it right here in our Mandeville clinic.
Everything You Need To Know About the Leptospirosis Vaccine in Mandeville, LA
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the spirochete bacterium. Unfortunately, it’s particularly common in areas with warm temperatures year-round and standing puddles of water from rain and flooding, just like we experience here in the Mandeville area.
While the animal leptospirosis vaccine is not a core vaccine for dogs, we often recommend it to our patients. We leave the choice up to pet parents and give them all the resources they need to make an informed decision.
Here’s what you need to know about the leptospirosis and the leptospirosis vaccine.
What Is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a disease that dogs and other animals can contract. It can also spread to humans.
Dogs contract leptospirosis through bacteria that can be found in stagnant water, in which it can survive for up to 152 days. Dogs who contract leptospirosis often experience symptoms such as:
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Blood in urine and/or urinating more frequently
- Decreased appetite
- Increased thirst
- Muscle pain or tenderness
- Difficulty breathing
Our vets test for leptospirosis through a PCR test or microscopic agglutination test. We can detect whether the level of antibodies in your dog’s blood is high enough to indicate the presence of this bacterium. We will also check a chemistry blood panel as this bacteria can affect the kidney and liver. If positive for this disease, we will prescribe antibiotics and recommend measures to prevent the illness from spreading to other pets and humans in the household.
Humans typically contract leptospirosis through contaminated water and experience many of the same symptoms as dogs. After contact with the bacteria, it can take up to 30 days for a person to display symptoms of leptospirosis, which can last several weeks.
How Do Dogs Contract Leptospirosis?
Dogs can contract leptospirosis in several different ways. The most common is drinking from puddles or other areas of standing water containing the bacteria. The bacteria remain in a dog’s urine for several weeks, entering bodies of water when an infected dog urinates. The bacteria then survive in the water for an extended time.
The spirochete bacterium can also thrive in soil for several months as long as temperatures stay between 32 and 77 degrees. This means it can easily survive in Mandeville throughout the winter, spring, and fall. Rain and flooding lead it to seep from the soil into puddles, which your dog is at risk of drinking.
Dogs can also contract leptospirosis from wild animals that carry the disease, such as raccoons, rats, and skunks as this disease is commonly spread through bodily fluids such as urine. If your pet comes into contact with a wild animal, schedule an appointment with our vets as soon as possible.
Should My Dog Get the Leptospirosis Pet Vaccination?
We typically recommend the leptospirosis vaccine in Mandeville, LA. Your dog may be at a particularly high risk of contracting this disease if:
- You live in an area abundant with wildlife
- Your property is prone to flooding or standing water
- You take your dog to dog parks or boarding facilities
- Your dog interacts with other dogs regularly
We offer a vaccine that protects against four common types of bacteria, including the one that causes leptospirosis. It requires an initial dose and a booster between three and four weeks later and yearly thereafter.
Schedule Your Pet Leptospirosis Vaccine Today
At VetNaturally, we’re committed to protecting pets from leptospirosis by offering safe leptospirosis immunization for puppies and adult dogs. Do you want to learn more about this vaccine? Are you concerned about potential side effects or costs? We’d be happy to provide you with all the information you need.
Contact VetNaturally today at (985) 718-9991 to learn more about our leptospirosis vaccine in Mandeville, LA.
