Leptospirosis in Pets: A 2025 CDC-Backed Guide to Infection, Symptoms, and Prevention 🐶🧪

Hello, I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease—meaning it can spread from pets to people—and has been increasing in reported cases across North America. This CDC-based 2025 guide outlines what every pet owner should know about infection, signs, diagnosis, and prevention. 🧼

🦠 What Is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira bacteria, which thrive in warm, wet environments rich in organic matter. These bacteria can survive in water and soil for weeks to months and are most commonly found in:

• 🌧️ Puddles and standing water
• 🐀 Rodent-contaminated environments
• 🦝 Areas with wildlife exposure (e.g., raccoons, skunks, deer)

🐕 How Pets Get Infected

Infection occurs through:

• 🐾 Contact with infected urine, water, or soil
• 💦 Drinking or swimming in contaminated water
• 🩸 Bacteria entering through broken skin, mouth, eyes, or nose

Infected pets may shed the bacteria in urine for months if not properly treated, posing risk to others. 😷

🤒 Symptoms in Dogs

Signs are highly variable and may include:

• 🌡️ Fever
• 🤮 Vomiting and diarrhea
• 📉 Poor appetite, weight loss
• 😴 Lethargy and muscle pain
• 🟡 Yellowing of eyes or skin (icterus)
• 🐾 Abdominal pain or stiffness
• ⚠️ In severe cases: kidney failure, bleeding disorders, inability to reproduce

Puppies and young dogs are at higher risk of severe illness. ⏱️

🧪 Diagnosis & Testing

• 🩺 Physical exam & history
• 🧪 Blood and urine tests (check for kidney/liver function, infection)
• 🧬 PCR and antibody testing for Leptospira bacteria

💊 Treatment

Treatment must begin quickly and includes:

• 💊 Antibiotics (typically doxycycline or penicillin derivatives)
• 💧 IV fluids to support kidneys
• 🩸 Dialysis in advanced cases
• 📋 Isolation during treatment to reduce human exposure

Early treatment = better recovery and less organ damage. 🩺

🛡️ Vaccination & Prevention

• 💉 Vaccines available for several leptospira strains
• 📆 Initial dose + booster, then yearly
• 🐾 Highly recommended for dogs in high-risk regions or lifestyles (outdoors, near wildlife, near water)

Note: The vaccine doesn’t cover all strains, but significantly reduces illness severity and shedding. 🛡️

⚠️ Zoonotic Risk: Can I Get It From My Pet?

Yes—leptospirosis is zoonotic. Human infection can occur through:

• 🧤 Handling infected pet urine or tissues without protection
• 🧽 Cleaning contaminated bedding or surfaces
• 🩸 Assisting in delivery of infected litters

If you’ve had close contact with an infected pet:

• 🧼 Wash hands thoroughly
• 🧪 Alert your physician if flu-like symptoms appear within 3 weeks
• 🩺 See your doctor if exposed to infected fluids or tissues

🧼 Household Hygiene

• 👢 Wear gloves and boots when cleaning contaminated areas
• 🧴 Disinfect surfaces with a 10:1 bleach solution
• 🧽 Clean up urine immediately
• 📦 Handle laundry, bowls, and bedding with care

📱 Ask A Vet: Leptospirosis Care & Risk Support

• 🧬 Help understanding test results
• 💊 Advice on treatment plans and isolation
• 📋 Vaccination scheduling
• 🧤 Hygiene tips to protect your household

Access veterinary help anytime at AskAVet.com or through the app. 🐾

✅ Summary: Leptospirosis in Pets

• 🦠 Spread through contaminated water, soil, and urine
• 🐾 Symptoms range from mild to life-threatening
• 🧪 Diagnosed via blood, urine, and PCR tests
• 💉 Vaccines reduce severity and transmission
• 🧼 Zoonotic—handle sick pets with hygiene and caution

Leptospirosis is serious but preventable. Know the signs, stay protected, and keep your dog vaccinated. 🐶🛡️

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc