What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by Leptospira species that spreads through contaminated water and infected animal urine, affecting dogs and other mammals.
Caused by spiral-shaped bacteria called Leptospira, leptospirosis is a disease that infects dogs and other mammals across the United States. In the Austin area, the risk is tied to the region's waterways, lakes, and creek systems where wildlife including raccoons, opossums, and rats shed the bacteria in their urine.
Dogs contract the infection by direct contact with contaminated water or soil, typically through small cuts in the skin or contact with mucous membranes. Standing water after heavy rain is particularly risky. Infected dogs may show fever, muscle pain, vomiting, or kidney and liver damage if untreated.
The leptospirosis vaccine is classified as non-core, meaning it is not universally recommended for all dogs the way rabies and distemper vaccines are. However, veterinarians often recommend it for dogs with outdoor access, those who swim in local ponds or creeks, or animals whose owners frequent parks and green spaces around Austin. The vaccine's necessity depends on individual lifestyle and exposure risk.
Treatment with antibiotics can be effective if started early, but severe cases may result in permanent kidney or liver damage. Because the disease can pass from animals to people, it represents a public health concern beyond pet health. Most general practice veterinarians in Austin carry the vaccine and can assess your dog's risk based on behavior and environment.