Keeping your pets current on vaccines is very important, for the protection of your pet and other animals. One vaccine that is not commonly discussed is the leptospirosis vaccine.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is contagious not only to pets, but also to humans. The bacteria are found in water and contaminated soil, and are transmitted by the urine of infected animals.
Animals such as dogs, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, rats, mice and deer can carry leptospirosis, depositing it into standing water and soil when they urinate. Other animals coming into contact with the deposited bacteria can become infected with the disease.
Leptospirosis can cause kidney damage and liver failure, and can lead to death of the infected animal. Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea and refusal to eat. Treatment of the disease includes fluid therapy and antibiotics.
Vaccinating your pet against Leptospirosis not only protects your pet, but helps prevent the further spread of the disease to other animals and humans. The vaccine commonly protects against the most common strains of leptospirosis and is given annually.