The Leptospira bacteria is basically what causes the disease Leptospirosis. This disease can be found in water and in soil. It is transferable from animals to humans.
The most common carriers of leptospirosis are rats, mice and moles. These animals are the primary host of the disease and can easily transmit it to your dog or cat.
Dogs are Easily Infected
Dogs are much more susceptible to getting leptospirosis than cats. Dogs can become infected if their mucous membranes (or skin with any wound, such as a cut or scrape) come into contact with infected urine, urine-contaminated soil, water, food or bedding; through a bite from an infected animal; by eating infected tissues or carcasses; and rarely, through breeding. It can also be passed through the placenta from the mother dog to the puppies. Dogs are very curious and active animals and will come into contact quicker with other animals and objects.
How To Tell If Your Dog Has Leptospirosis
The signs of your dog being infected with this disease will vary according to a few factors:
- The breed of dog
- Your dogs own immunity system
- Size of Dog
- Current Health of Dog
- Unwillingness to move
- Urinate more
- Increase Thirst
- Loss of Appetite
- Muscle Tenderness
- Lethargy (Lack of Energy)
- Inflammation in eyes
What Leptospirosis Does To The Dogs Organs
This disease can directly affect the kidney and cause kidney failure in your dog. Leptospirosis in dogs will also affect the the animals lung function making it very difficult to breath. This disease can also cause bleeding problems for your dog. Your dog may exhibit spontaneous nose bleeds or blood seen in the stool or vomit of the animal. Your dog may also accumulate fluid in its body resulting in swollen limps, legs, abdomen and chest.
Detect Leptospirosis In Your Dog Early
Signs shown by your dog is a early tell tale that he/she is infected. But some of the signs exhibited by a dog infected with the illness is also traits of other illnesses. If you suspect that your dog is infected with Leptospirosis, the best bet is to have the animal take a physical examination by the Vet. The vet will most likely take a blood, urine test and may do some Ultrasound examination and XRays.
Treatment for Leptospirosis
If your Vet confirms that the animal indeed has leptospirosis, the vet will have to recommend antibiotics for the animal. You may also have to look at a short dietary change for your dog to help build its immune system ans work along with the Antibiotics. Re,ember that early detection is key and suspected dogs must see a vet immediately to avoid irreparable damages to organs such as kidney and lungs.
Currently available vaccines effectively prevent leptospirosis and protect dogs for at least 12 months. Annual vaccination is recommended for at-risk dogs. Reducing your dog’s exposure to possible sources of the Leptospira bacteria can reduce its chances of infection.
Although an infected pet dog presents a low risk of infection for you and your family, there is still some risk. If your dog has been diagnosed with leptospirosis, take the following precautions to protect yourself:
- Administer antibiotics as prescribed by your veterinarian;
- Avoid contact with your dog’s urine;
- If your dog urinates in your home, quickly clean the area with a household disinfectant and wear gloves to avoid skin contact with the urine;
- Encourage your dog to urinate away from standing water or areas where people or other animals will have access;
- Wash your hands after handling your pet.
Home Prevention Leptospirosis
Outdoor dogs are more susceptible to catch leptospirosis because they have more contact with the outside environment. You must ensure that your home is rodent free and has proper fencing which will block out other animals such as skunks and raccoons with may carry the disease. You don't want these animals coming into your yard to urinate or poop and then your dog comes into contact with infect bodily excretion and become infected.