Fortunately there is a treatment if your dog gets infected. However, it is costly, requires a lengthy hospital stay and is not always successful. Prevention is much better than treatment. There is a brand new vaccine that immunizes against the two varieties of Leptospirosis that are currently the most dangerous in this area vaccines about three weeks apart to build good immunity. Animals carrying the bacteria should be isolated.
Infected animals shed the bacteria primarily in their urine.
The bacteria can survive in water and soil for extended periods of time. Symptoms of Lepto include lethargy, depression, fever, anorexia and vomiting. What is unusual it that this year there have been several documented cases of Lepto in house dogs that never leave their fenced yards. Therefore, any dog that goes outside is at risk Dogs that go for walks, visit dog parks, have a lot of wildlife in their yards or like to drink out of puddles are at an increased risk. If you also own cats, the Hartrick staff says not to worry.