[ps2id id=’leptospirosis-in-dogs’ target=”/]Fact Sheet Leptospirosis in Dogs

Grayson County,VA

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[ms_row] [ms_column style=”1/2″ align=”left” class=”” id=””]What is leptospirosis? Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can affect people and animals, including pets.

Is leptospirosis found in Grayson County? Leptospirosis has been found in Grayson County, Virginia. The Health Department located in Independence investigates several cases each year. Many different animals can carry the bacteria that cause leptospirosis. In Grayson County, the most common sources are rodents.

[ps2id id=’how-do-dogs-get-leptospirosis’ target=”/]How do dogs get leptospirosis? The bacteria that cause leptospirosis are spread through the urine of infected animals and can survive in water or soil for weeks to months. People and animals can get infected through contact with contaminated urine, water or soil. The bacteria can enter the body through skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose or mouth), especially if the skin is broken from a cut or scratch. Dogs usually become infected by drinking, swimming or walking through contaminated water.

[ps2id id=’what-are-the-symptoms-of-leptospirosis-in-a-dog’ target=”/]Leptospirosis in dogs symptoms, and how long do they last? Dogs usually get sick one to two weeks after exposure. Illness can last days or weeks and may include fever, chills, vomiting, muscle aches or diarrhea. Some dogs may seem to recover after the initial illness, but later develop more severe symptoms. This second phase of the disease may include kidney failure or liver failure. A veterinarian will diagnose leptospirosis based on history of exposure, symptoms and a blood test and/or urine test.

[ps2id id=’treatment-of-leptospirosis-in-dogs’ target=”/]Can leptospirosis be treated? Yes, leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics. Treating the disease early can help prevent severe symptoms. Hospitalization may be necessary for dogs with severe illness.

[ps2id id=’how-to-prevent-leptospirosis’ target=”/]How can I protect my dog from leptospirosis? Keep your home free of rodents and prevent your dog from having direct contact with rodents and small mammals when outdoors. Do not let your dog drink from puddles or other sources of water that may be contaminated with animal urine.[/ms_column] [ms_column style=”1/2″ align=”left” class=”” id=””] Speak with your veterinarian about having your dog vaccinated against leptospirosis if you are concerned that it may be at risk

[ps2id id=’can-leptospirosis-recur’ target=”/]If my dog already had leptospirosis, can it get infected again? Yes. Many different types (serovars) of the bacteria exist. After recovery from leptospirosis, an animal will only be immune to the serovar that caused the original infection.

[ps2id id=’how-is-leptospirosis-spread-to-humans’ target=”/]Can I get leptospirosis from my dog? Yes, although dog-to-human transmission is extremely rare.

[ps2id id=’chances-of-dog-surviving-leptospirosis’ target=”/]What should I do if my dog is diagnosed with leptospirosis? After starting treatment, your dog may continue to pass leptospirosis bacteria for six weeks. During that time, protect yourself and others: • Wash your hands carefully after direct contact with your dog or its urine. • Have your dog urinate in an area where the urine will dry up quickly and where other dogs or people will not come into contact with it. Sunlight and drying will kill the bacteria. • Wear disposable gloves when cleaning the dog’s bedding or any areas with urine. • Disinfect areas that may have been contaminated by urine, feces (stool) or vomit with an iodine- or bleach-based disinfectant. • Contact your doctor if you feel sick.Column Content[/ms_column] [/ms_row]

[ms_row] [ms_column style=”1/1″ align=”left” class=”” id=””]For more information: Call your veterinarian Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.graysoncountyva.gov/grayson-county-health-department/ Visit the Rat Information Portal (RIP) at Grayson County Gov rat inspection maps and learn what you can do to prevent and manage rats[/ms_column] [/ms_row]