{"id":2688,"date":"2020-11-03T21:15:39","date_gmt":"2020-11-03T21:15:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.humanepa.org\/?p=2688"},"modified":"2020-11-04T16:32:09","modified_gmt":"2020-11-04T16:32:09","slug":"should-you-vaccinate-your-dog-against-leptospirosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.humanepa.org\/?p=2688","title":{"rendered":"Should You Vaccinate Your Dog Against Leptospirosis?"},"content":{"rendered":"
By: Dr. Heather Lineaweaver, <\/em>Associate Veterinarian for Humane Veterinary Hospitals<\/em><\/h5>\n

Most dog owners are aware of the core vaccines recommended for all dogs \u2013 Rabies and DHPP, which protects against distemper, infectious hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus.\u00a0\u00a0 Lifestyle\/non-core vaccines are those that are recommended based on your dog’s individual risk factors.\u00a0 How much time they spend outdoors, their exposure to other dogs or wildlife, their activities, and where you live help determine which of these vaccines may benefit your dog.\u00a0 Examples of lifestyle vaccines include leptospirosis, lyme, bordetella (kennel cough), and canine influenza.\u00a0 The focus of this article will be leptospirosis and its risk factors.\"\"<\/p>\n

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can occur in a wide variety of mammals, including humans.\u00a0 After infection, the bacteria spreads to multiple organs, but the\u00a0 liver and kidneys are typically the most severely affected.\u00a0 Because the bacteria like to live and colonize within the kidneys, urine is the prime avenue for the spread of infection.\u00a0 Dogs become infected through exposure to the urine of affected wildlife.\u00a0 This exposure can occur by drinking standing water and eating or licking contaminated grass or other substances.\u00a0 The bacteria can also enter the body through damaged skin.\u00a0 Not all dogs that are exposed will develop infection, but those that do are at risk for liver and kidney failure.\u00a0 Permanent organ dysfunction is common, even in dogs that have been successfully treated. While it’s not common, leptospirosis is a serious and potentially fatal illness.\u00a0 It is important to note that it is also zoonotic, meaning that it can be spread to humans, and owners of infected dogs are at risk of contracting it via contact with their dog’s urine.<\/p>\n

At-risk dogs should be vaccinated to protect both them and the humans they live with. Risk factors include living in a rural or suburban setting, hiking or spending significant time outdoors, access to standing water, or living in an area prone to flooding.\u00a0 Dogs in urban areas are less at risk, although living in an older house where they may have access to mice can increase this risk.\u00a0 The vaccine provides protection against the four most common strains of leptospirosis.\u00a0 Infection with the less common strains is possible but rare.\u00a0 Dogs initially receive a series of two vaccines given 2-4 weeks apart.\u00a0 After that, they must have a booster yearly to maintain protection.\u00a0 If your dog has any of the above risk factors, be sure to discuss starting the vaccine at your next veterinary visit.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By: Dr. Heather Lineaweaver, Associate Veterinarian for Humane Veterinary Hospitals Most dog owners are aware of the core vaccines recommended for all dogs \u2013 Rabies and DHPP, which protects against distemper, infectious hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus.\u00a0\u00a0 Lifestyle\/non-core vaccines are those that are recommended based on your dog’s individual risk factors.\u00a0 How much time they spend …
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