{"id":919,"date":"2025-06-10T16:58:39","date_gmt":"2025-06-10T21:58:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tenwestvet.com\/blog\/?p=919"},"modified":"2025-09-10T17:01:28","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T22:01:28","slug":"leptospirosis-a-serious-threat-to-texas-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tenwestvet.com\/blog\/leptospirosis-a-serious-threat-to-texas-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Leptospirosis: A Serious Threat to Texas Dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Here in San Antonio, our pups are living their best lives\u2014whether it\u2019s a morning romp in the yard, a walk in the sunshine, or a muddy adventure after a summer rain. But while your dog is busy being delightfully dog-like, there\u2019s a stealthy health threat lurking in some of their favorite spots: leptospirosis.<\/em> At Ten West Bird and Animal Hospital<\/a>, we think knowledge is powerful (and prevention is even better). Let\u2019s talk about this dangerous bacterial infection and how to protect your four-legged best friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Is Leptospirosis?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Leptospirosis<\/a> is a disease caused by the Leptospira bacteria. It\u2019s a zoonotic illness, which means it can affect both animals and humans. Dogs are particularly vulnerable when they come into contact with contaminated water, soil, or urine from infected wildlife like raccoons, deer, and rodents, which are common in our area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This bacterial infection is more common during warm, wet months and can spread quickly, especially after flooding or heavy rain. Because Texas is no stranger to either, awareness is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do Dogs Get It?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Leptospirosis can sneak up on even the most pampered pooch. Dogs can pick up the bacteria in a variety of ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n