All pet owners should be aware of a disease called leptospirosis heading into the warmer months. Often referred to as Lepto, this disease is caused by the bacteria, leptospira, and can infect almost any living mammal, including humans. This bacteria typically spreads through the urine of infected animals, especially rodents, contaminating water sources, soil, or vegetation
Dogs are more commonly affected by Lepto, with symptoms including fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, muscle pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and in severe cases, kidney and/or liver failure, and even death. Commonly, there is an increase in Lepto cases in the summer, with more owners taking their dogs to public water sources such as ponds or lakes for exercise or hiking outside.
To prevent Lepto, we recommend speaking to your veterinarian about the vaccines for dogs. In addition, be sure to practice good hygiene with your pet, such as not allowing them to drink from or swimming in potentially contaminated water sources. If you suspect your dog has been exposed to Lepto or is showing symptoms, it’s essential to seek veterinary care promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early detection and treatment can improve the prognosis and outcome for an infected animal.
Though domestic cats are resistant to illness caused by this bacteria, cases of severe disease have been reported in big cats. At the Refuge, we refill water dishes thrice daily, ensuring each dish has been cleaned thoroughly. Additionally, we have a rigorous cleaning schedule to drain, scrub, and refill pools. We also ensure that habitats have no standing water after heavy rains to limit the possibility of contaminated environments.
