Leptospirosis is an infectious bacterial disease. It is caused by leptospira and can be potentially fatal to dogs. In addition, the disease is a zoonosis, which means that it can spread from animals to humans.
Below we will explain how dogs become infected with leptospirosis and what symptoms the disease causes. You will also find out everything you need to know about treatment and prevention.
Leptospira prefer a humid and warm environment. For this reason, they are particularly widespread in warmer regions, such as southern Europe, and the risk of infection is especially high during the summer months.
Dogs can ingest leptospira through direct contact with infected rodents or contaminated food, drinking water and objects as well as infectious urine. The bacteria then spread through the blood in the organism of the animal's body.
If the organism can't fight off the pathogens with the help of antibodies, this will eventually lead to leptospirosis.
An infection with leptospirosis in dogs often leads to damage to the kidneys and liver, but it can also affect other internal organs and the nervous system of the four-legged friend.
The exact course of the disease and the associated symptoms can vary from animal to animal. In this context, the dog's immune system also plays a role. For four-legged friends that have previously been weakened, it is much more likely that leptospirosis will take a severe course.
Irrespective of this, leptospirosis in dogs can be either peracute, subacute or chronic.
A subacute course of leptospirosis is noticeable by frequent vomiting, increased urination and the associated dehydration. In addition, affected dogs look exhausted, often have a fever and are more prone to bleeding, which can manifest itself in the form of nosebleeds, for example.
In addition, neurological disorders and yellow discoloured mucous membranes are also possible symptoms. In some dogs with subacute leptospirosis, acute renal insufficiency also occurs.
If leptospirosis is chronic in dogs, inflammation of the kidneys and liver occurs in particular. Apart from that, liver fibrosis develops, which further impairs the functioning of the organ.
In view of the serious consequences that contracting leptospirosis can have on dogs, it is imperative that you pay sufficient attention to the topic of prevention.
Veterinarians recommend vaccination against leptospirosis for all dogs. However, so far immunisation only protects against some of the pathogen strains, so that the risk of infection can be significantly reduced, but not completely eliminated. Nonetheless, vaccination against leptospirosis for dogs is an important part of health care.
Regardless of this, as a dog owner you can take various other preventive measures. The subject of hygiene is particularly important in this context. We therefore recommend that you keep your four-legged friend's food and drink bowl clean and disinfect them regularly.
As you can see, leptospirosis is a serious matter for dogs that you, the owner, should by no means take lightly. In order to lower the risk of infection, or at least to reduce the likelihood of a severe course of the disease, early basic immunisation and regular booster vaccinations are urgently recommended.
That being said, you should also be aware that a functioning immune system is very important for your dog, not just with regard to a possible infection with leptospirosis. Therefore, make sure to avoid excessive stress, have any infections that occur promptly treated and ensure that your four-legged friend is optimally supplied with nutrients by feeding it appropriately.
A balanced diet is essential for your dog's vitality and well-being.
The Bellfor range consists of high-quality dog food made from natural ingredients that not only tastes good, but also provides the animal with all the nutrients it needs.
We also have two high-quality food supplements for dogs on offer: Bellfor Immun and Shiimun Immun.
Both preparations contain carefully selected ingredients that provide your four-legged friend with additional nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.
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