About Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacteria that not all pet owners are familiar with. Contracting leptospirosis can be (but is not always) fatal to dogs. It can also be spread to humans in certain situations.
Leptospirosis is caused by a bacteria which is spread through soil, water, and the urine of infected animals. Common carriers of the organism include raccoons, opossums, rats, squirrels, skunks, and other woodland or farm animals. It is particularly prevalent in wet climates, and dogs who are regularly exposed to standing water, ponds, lakes & streams are at higher risk of contracting the disease than dogs who live in dry climates or who primarily stay indoors.
The leptospirosis vaccine is not routinely recommended by all veterinarians unless the animal is considered at high risk of contracting the disease. Leptospirosis in dogs can be contracted simply by drinking from a puddle, by swimming in a lake, by walking on soil outdoors followed by grooming/licking feet. Do these sound like high risk behaviors? Wouldn’t you want to be educated, and offered the choice to vaccinate?
Vaccination against leptospirosis isn’t without risk, and the vaccine does not provide 100% certainty of protection against the disease. It is also essential that it is administered properly. Please talk with your veterinarian and make an informed decision. This site provides some articles that will assist with your research.
If you are a veterinarian who doesn’t proactively provide your clients with information about the leptospirosis vaccine (especially in wet climates), perhaps you will read Luna’s story and reconsider your position.
Resources
http://www.vetstreet.com/care/leptospirosis-vaccine-for-dogs
http://www.2ndchance.info/leptospirosis.htm
https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_multi_leptospirosis
http://veterinaryteam.dvm360.com/leptospirosis-vaccine-every-dog-every-time
https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Leptospirosis.aspx
Counterpoint:
http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/leptospirosis-vaccine-side-effects/
Talk to your vet about vaccination against Leptospirosis.