Leptospirosis in dogs affects the ones living in the tropical rural areas or areas in a close proximity to wildlife. In urban settings, dogs are rarely infected with this harmful condition. Some of them may get leptospirosis if you spend time in forests or near stagnant water, where they may get in contact with wild animals and their excretion. It is usually the case with the hunting dogs. Even though the disease is completely treatable, veterinarians from Eastshore Vet, the best veterinary agency in Madison, recommend implementing proper preventative measures and act fast if you spot the symptoms of leptospirosis in dogs.
If your veterinarian diagnoses leptospirosis in your dog, you have to take necessary precautions to avoid further spreading of infection. Dogs with the symptoms of leptospirosis should be kept isolated from your family members because the infection is the zoonotic disease. That means it may easily spread to your family members. Kids are especially susceptible to infection because their immune system is not yet fully developed. The disease spreads to humans the same as in animals - by body liquids. You should wear latex gloves whenever you feed an infected dog, brush his coat, or spend time with him. Veterinarians highly recommend keeping dog area clean and sanitized. The best way to help your dog minimize the risk of leptospirosis is to maintain a strong immune system. Quality food, good sleep, enough water, and regular exercise will help your dog keep his immunity at the optimal level. Watch for the following symptoms to spot infection on time:
- Lethargy and depression
- Vomiting- Diarrhea- Dehydration- Fever- A runny nose- Red eyes
- A cough- Muscle pain- Shivering- Jaundice- Kidney or liver failure Leptospirosis is absolutely treatable. Your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics that suit the age of your dog, the strain of bacteria that caused infection, and the phase of the disease. The problem with this particular disease is when it goes unnoticed and your dog shows the symptoms of a later stage of the disease. This situation may cause kidney problems and kidney failure. For many animals, it can be fatal. The sooner you spot the symptoms, the better. Veterinarians from Eastshore Vet urge you to act fast when you spot the flu-like symptoms, especially if you live in an endemic area.