The word leptospirosis strikes fear into the hearts of pet owners. That’s because leptospirosis is a serious, life-threatening bacterial infection that passes from animal to animal.

In this blog, we’ll discuss leptospirosis in canines, an infection that can be contracted and spread by a wide range of animals, from domestic to wildlife, and rodents to livestock. We intend to give you the most comprehensive information about leptospirosis so that you can help prevent this potentially deadly bacteria from spreading to your dog, other pets, and yes, to humans.

If you suspect your dog has lepto, it's crucial to call or go to your nearest VEG ER for Pets. VEG is open 24/7 to help your dog.

Some signs of leptospirosis are lethargy and the reluctance to move due to joint pain. Read on to learn more about this potentially deadly virus. Call or come to VEG if you spot the signs in your dog. Open 24/7.

What is leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis (aka lepto) is a serious, life-threatening bacterial infection that your dog can pick up directly from other infected animals, via contact with their urine, or contaminated environments, particularly standing water or puddles.   

Leptospirosis is no longer a threat in just rural areas

In the past, leptospirosis was associated with large, working breed dogs that lived in rural areas. Current research shows that virtually all dogs are now at risk for lepto, including smaller breeds in urban areas. 

This is because urban wildlife such as rats, rabbits, mice, raccoons, opossums and skunks can carry the Leptospira bacteria which they spread via their urine. The bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments common in cities and suburbs like puddles, damp soil, drainage ditches and even leaky hoses. All a dog needs to do is walk through a contaminated puddle and lick their paws or take a quick drink from a contaminated standing water source to pick up the bacteria.

High risk factors for leptospirosis

If you live in an area with high humidity, frequent flooding, or high wildlife presence, your dog may be at increased risk. Cases are particularly common in areas like Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and regions that have recently experienced storms or heavy rainfall.

Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, have contact with wildlife, swim in or drink from lakes, ponds, streams, rivers or even puddles, young puppies, senior dogs and any dog that has not been vaccinated against leptospirosis are at higher risk of catching this illness.

Leptospirosis can infect dogs, causing aggressive organ damage. Read our blog to learn the symptoms of lepto and seek immediate medical care at VEG if you spot the signs.

How leptospirosis spread from dog to dog

You may be surprised to learn just how common exposure opportunities are. Dogs can contract the leptospira bacteria through:

• Drinking or swimming in standing water or puddles.

• Contact with soil or grass contaminated by infected urine.

• Licking paws after walking on contaminated sidewalks or pavement.

• Exposure to wildlife in parks, suburbs, or backyards.

• Visiting farms, daycare, boarding facilities, or dog parks where infected animals may have urinated.

• Rats are significant carriers in many cities, and just one exposure can be enough to infect a dog.

The frightening fact about leptospirosis in dogs

Leptospirosis can be fatal, so vaccinating your dog is crucial. Dogs can decline quickly once the infection takes hold, which is why early medical intervention is crucial. Kidney damage and liver failure are two complications of leptospirosis.

Fast action leads to better outcomes, less damage to organs, and a far higher chance of full recovery. If you suspect your dog may have been exposed to or contracted leptospirosis, don’t panic… but do take swift action. This disease inflicts severe damage – but the earlier it’s caught, the more promising the outcome. Bring your dog to a VEG emergency hospital right away. Find the VEG ER dog hospital closest to you here.

Symptoms of leptospirosis in dogs

Don’t overlook signs of leptospirosis  in your dog. Symptoms typically appear 4-12 days after exposure, but the illness can have an incubation period of as long as 30 days.

The disease can start out with mild symptoms that progress rapidly. Your dog may seem feverish and lethargic at first, with a slight decrease in appetite.

Recognize the symptoms of lepto

As the infection progresses, symptoms can become more pronounced and may include:

• High fever

• Jaundice (a yellowish tinge noticeable in the skin, whites of the eyes, and gums)

• Muscle tenderness

• Reluctance to move due to joint or muscle pain

• Severe lethargy or depression

• Vomiting and diarrhea, which may contain blood

If your dog has a more advanced form of leptospirosis and then recovers through treatment, chances are it’s not the end of his recovery journey. Kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart may have been affected by the infection and may require ongoing treatment, such as dialysis if the kidneys were impacted.

Signs of severe leptospirosis infection

As the disease progresses, severe infection can develop, which requires immediate veterinary attention. Signs include:

• Bloody vomit or blood in feces

• Coughing, especially if it is persistent

• Difficulty breathing or fast breathing

• Increased thirst and urination, which may be a sign of kidney involvement

• Rapid dehydration

These symptoms indicate that the leptospirosis infection may have spread to major organs, making it a critical emergency. If you observe any of the above, do not wait—contact VEG dog hospital immediately. 

Lepto can be serious, even fatal, in dogs. Read on to learn more and call VEG if you're concerned about your dog. You'll speak directly with a veterinarian who can answer your medical questions.

Medical complications of leptospirosis

Kidney and liver failure 

One of the most severe complications of leptospirosis is organ failure, particularly of the kidneys and liver. Signs that your dog may be experiencing organ failure include:

• Confusion or disorientation, which indicates potential toxins building up in the bloodstream

• Marked increase in thirst and urination, or a complete stop in urination

• Severe jaundice

• Swollen abdomen due to fluid accumulation

These symptoms are a major cause for alarm. They require immediate veterinary intervention to provide the best chance for recovery.

Respiratory distress If leptospirosis affects the lungs, your dog may experience respiratory problems. Symptoms of this can include:

• Blue-tinged gums, which indicate insufficient oxygen flow

• Extreme fatigue or inability to rise

• Labored, rapid or noisy breathing

Leptospirosis is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent care. Prompt veterinary treatment can often lead to positive outcomes, but delays can be fatal to your pet.

Diagnosing leptospirosis in dogs

When you arrive at a VEG hospital, the medical team will begin urgent evaluation and diagnostic testing. This often includes:

Diagnostic process

• Complete physical examination

• Blood tests to evaluate kidney and liver function

• Urinalysis

• Leptospirosis-specific tests such as PCR or MAT

• Imaging (such as ultrasound) if organ involvement is suspected

This rapid testing allows the team to confirm leptospirosis quickly and begin life-saving treatment immediately.

VEG animal hospitals are open 24 hours every day for emergency care for dogs and all pets. If you suspect leptospirosis, we'll perform all testing on site and you can stay with your dog the entire time.

Emergency vet treatment for leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is treatable IF treatment begins early. At VEG, treatment plans often include:

• IV fluids to support kidneys and hydration

• Antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria

• Anti-nausea and GI medications

• Pain management

• Oxygen therapy if breathing is compromised

• Isolation protocols, since leptospirosis can spread to humans and other animals

Hospitalization is often required for several days so the veterinary team can monitor organ function, hydration status, and response to treatment.

Leptospirosis prognosis and recovery – what dog owners should expect

Prognosis depends heavily on how early treatment is started:

• Early-caught cases often improve within 24–72 hours of hospitalization.

• Severe cases may require several days or longer of intensive care.

• Dogs with lasting liver or kidney damage may need ongoing treatment, monitoring, and special diets after discharge.

The veterinary team at your VEG animal clinic will keep you informed throughout hospitalization so you know how your dog is progressing.

Can humans get leptospirosis from dogs?

Yes, your pet can spread leptospirosis to you. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can infect people, so speak to your physician if you are concerned about exposure.

Your dog can shed the bacteria in its urine during, and sometimes after, treatment for the disease. Here are some important facts about leptospira bacteria that you should know:

• An untreated dog can shed the bacteria for weeks or even months. 

• Most dogs stop shedding the bacteria within 24 hours of starting antibiotics, though some can remain contagious for longer. 

• Some dogs may continue to shed the bacteria in their urine for up to a year, even if they seem healthy. 

Safety precautions to follow until dog is cleared by a veterinarian:

• Wear gloves when handling urine, vomit, or cleaning surfaces.

• Wash hands thoroughly after handling your dog.

• Disinfect contaminated areas with veterinarian-approved cleaners.

• Avoid letting your dog sleep in your bed until medically cleared.

Keep small children, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised family members away from the dog during active infection.

Preventing leptospirosis in other dogs (and humans)

Vaccinate Your Dog

Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing leptospirosis. While no vaccine offers 100% protection from a disease, if your dog is vaccinated and still comes down with lepto, the symptoms are usually milder and easier to treat when caught early. 

Earlier versions of the vaccine were associated with adverse reactions in many dogs. Combined with the mistaken belief that lepto was only a threat to dogs in rural areas, the vaccine was previously excluded from the list of core vaccines for dogs. That has changed now that modern vaccines have greatly improved in terms of safety and efficacy, and we now know that any dog can be at risk for lepto, whether they live in rural, suburban or urban areas.

Staying on top of your dog’s vaccination schedule gives strong protection against life-threatening leptospirosis and other serious dog diseases. Regular veterinary check-ups at your primary care veterinarian can help catch signs of leptospirosis early before they develop into severe complications.

Routine vaccination is handled by your primary care veterinarian, but VEG is here if your dog ever shows symptoms requiring emergency attention.

Be aware of your dog’s environment

Some ways you can help manage the areas your dog spends time in to help avoid contracting lepto:

• Keep your dog away from puddles, ponds, lakes, streams or sources of standing water where the bacteria can live. 

• Bring a portable bowl and fresh water on walks and hikes to discourage your dog from drinking contaminated sources of water. 

• Keep your yard and garbage areas clean and secure to deter rodents, which can carry the bacteria. 

• Prevent your dog from interacting with wild animals (deer, foxes, squirrels, rabbits)  and their waste. 

• Keep dogs leashed when walking or hiking to prevent them from wandering off and potentially coming into contact with contaminated water or wildlife. 

Quarantine and clean the area

Keeping your dog away from other pets (your own and other people’s) and vulnerable family members (kids, elders, immunocompromised) will help lessen the chances of leptospirosis spreading, as will properly cleaning and disinfecting your environment:

• Wear rubber or disposable gloves, a protective gown and face shield when cleaning to avoid direct contact with your dog’s urine, especially when doing laundry.

• Use an iodine-based disinfectant to clean hard surfaces (floors, walls)  or make your own using one part household bleach to ten parts water. 

• Launder dog bedding, toys, leashes, blankets, etc. with bleach and use high heat for the dryer to thoroughly dry laundered items. The bacteria needs moisture to live and will quickly die when dried. 

• Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after any contact with your dog, its urine or contaminated items.

• Double bag paper towels used for cleaning and dispose of them immediately in an outdoor garbage container with a lid.

• Keep your dog on a leash outdoors to prevent them from urinating in places where others may easily come in contact with the urine, especially puddles or standing water. 

• If your dog has urinated on a hard surface outside (sidewalk, patio, driveway) DO NOT powerwash the area - it can spread the bacteria into the air. Use a disinfectant on the contaminated space.
  

VEG ER for Pets is open 24 hours, seven days a week, for emergency medical care. See a knowledgable, compassionate vet right away and stay with your dog the entire visit.

Dog showing signs of leptospirosis? Call VEG ER for Pets vets can help!

Always be vigilant and proactive about your pet’s health, especially where lepto is concerned. This is a serious bacterial infection that is deadly for dogs, yet totally treatable if caught early. Get to your nearest VEG ER for Pets for diagnosis and treatment ASAP.

At VEG, we’ll give your doggo the immediate vet attention he needs. Our highly trained ER vet staff is ready 24/7 to treat lepto symptoms and any other emergency and urgent care needs.

Thanks to our open concept ER, you are a  participant in your dog’s care at VEG. Stay with your pet throughout treatment and know that your dog is receiving the expert emergency care, while keeping updated on your pet’s condition by our vets. If your dog has something serious like lepto, you want the unparalleled emergency care that VEG veterinarians and staff provide.