Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that causes serious illness in dogs, other animals, and people. The disease is caused by spiral-shaped bacteria called Leptospira’s that live in water or warm, wet soil. Early signs of leptospirosis include fever, lethargy, and lack of appetite. Left untreated, it can develop into a more severe, life-threatening illness that affects the kidneys, liver, brain, lungs, and heart.
The prevalence of canine leptospirosis has increased in recent years. Dogs are shedding Leptospira’s, some asymptomatically. Weather changes, population growth, and habitat encroachment have all increased human and canine exposure to pathogens and their carriers.
