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Has your dog ever lapped up water from a puddle during a walk, jog, or play session outside, especially after a storm? Did you know that standing water can pose a risk of leptospirosis for dogs?

Today, the team at Ten West Bird & Animal Hospital will dive into what leptospirosis is, what the leptospirosis symptoms in dogs are, and how you can make sure your pup doesn’t get the illness in the first place. 

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that’s caused by Leptospira organisms. These pesky little critters thrive in—you guessed in—warm, wet environments, such as puddles. They usually spread from puddle to puddle via the urine of infected wild animals, like racoons, rodents, and yes, armadillos. 

When our heavy summer rains hit here in San Antonio, this contaminated pee can wash into every puddle, ditch, stream, and area of standing water. 

This means if your dog licks, sniffs, sticks his face in, or even places a cut paw into the water, she could be exposed to leptospirosis. 

Unfortunately, leptospirosis isn’t just a Texas pet health risk. It’s a zoonotic disease that can spread from animals to humans, too. Some dogs skip through with mild illness, while others develop serious, life-threatening complications that can affect the kidneys or liver.  

Leptospirosis Symptoms in Dogs

Common symptoms of leptospirosis in dogs include: 

• Lethargy, fever (body temperature above 102.5°F), and weakness
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• A seemingly unquenchable thirst, along with an uptick in pee sessions
• Stiffness, limping, and any apparent pain in the muscles
• Loss or reduction of appetite 

In the more serious cases, dogs can develop a yellowing of the skin or eyes—jaundice—dehydration, and difficulty urinating. If you notice this serious symptom, promptly seek veterinary care, as it can indicate that your pup’s kidneys are being affected. 

Is Leptospirosis Preventable?

Yes, leptospirosis can be prevented with vaccination. We recommend leptospirosis vaccines as part of routine dog vaccines here in San Antonio, especially for dogs who spend any amount of time outdoors or in areas with standing water. 

You can also help prevent the spread of leptospirosis by avoiding letting your pup drink from or play in puddles, keeping your yard free of standing water, and washing your own hands after handling a pet that’s been exposed. 

But vaccination is, hands down, the simplest and most effective way to keep your pet safe. The team at Ten West Bird and Animal Hospital is here to help. We can offer vaccination to help keep you and your household of furry family members lepto-free. 

Call us today at (210) 696-1700 to schedule a vaccination appointment today, or to get your pup evaluated for leptospirosis.