Leptospirosis

Protecting Your Pup While They Play

Leptospirosis, also known as “lepto”, affects most species of mammals, including dogs and humans.1 This bacterium can survive in water or soil for months, so something as simple as drinking out of a puddle or playing in the mud could get your dog infected.

  • Initial symptoms can include:
    Fever, sore muscles, dehydration, vomiting or diarrhea, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

  • Left untreated, Leptospirosis can lead to:
    Severe kidney or liver damage, and in some cases can be fatal.2

Dog standing in woods
Man playing ball with dog outdoors

Lyme Disease

One Bite From a Tick Is All It Takes

Spending time outside with your pup is one of the great joys of dog ownership. Ticks are found year-round and in all types of weather. These harmful pests can spread Lyme disease within 24-48 hours after just a single bite.3

  • Symptoms can include:
    Fever, joint swelling or lameness, loss of appetite, and decreased activity.

  • Left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to:
    Recurring health problems like arthritis, or lead to kidney failure.4

References:

  1. Bharti AR, Nally JE, Ricaldi JN, et al. Leptospirosis: a zoonotic disease of global importance. Lancet Infect Dis. 2003;3(12):757-771.
  2. Leptospirosis. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/index.html. Accessed June 6, 2019.
  3. Little SE. Changing paradigms in understanding transmission of canine tick-borne diseases: the role of interrupted feeding and intrastadial transmission. In: Proceedings of the 2nd Canine Vector-Borne Disease (CVBD) Symposium; April 25-28, 2007; Sicily, Italy.
  4. Lyme Disease. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/tickbornediseases/lyme.html. Accessed March 14, 2019.
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