Leptospirosis:  A growing threat to every dog.

• Leptospirosis or "lepto" is a deadly bacterial disease spread by wildlife and domestic animals.  Common lepto carriers include raccoons, skunks, possums, squirrels, rats and sometimes other dogs.
• The lepto bacteria is shed in urine.  Dogs become infected when they come into contact with fresh urine of infected animals.
• The number of canine leptospirosis cases has risen dramatically in recent years.  Today, lepto is the #1 cause of acute renal failure in dogs.
• Lepto is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be passed from dogs to people.  Clinically signs include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain and bloody urine.

Is your dog at risk?

• Does your dog play outdoors where exposure or contact with wildlife is possible?
• Does your dog ever drink from ponds or puddles?
• Do you bring your dog along while walking, hiking, camping, picnicking, hunting or fishing?
• Are skunks, possums or raccoons found in your area?
• Has lepto been diagnosed in your area, in either dogs or people?

Virtually every dog that ventures outdoors is at risk for lepto. Take steps now to protect your pet.

• Remove food, garbage or nesting materials from your yard that may attract wildlife.
• Discourage your dog from drinking from pond or puddles.
• Most importantly, ask your veterinarian about annual protection with updated lepto vaccines.

Info provided by Fort Dodge Animal Health.

Groton City Animal Hospital
794 Cortland Rd. (Rte. 222)
Groton, NY 13073
(607)898-4482