Leptospirosis, commonly known as rat fever, is a zoonotic (diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans) bacterial disease caused by Leptospira organisms. These spiral-shaped bacteria thrive in stagnant water, muddy areas, and places contaminated by the urine of infected animals, especially rodents. While leptospirosis in dogs has been around for years, cases have steadily increased in India due to urban flooding, rising rodent populations, and frequent exposure to contaminated water.
Leptospirosis is also called Weil’s disease, Lepto infection, or Canine Leptospirosis. This illness can be severe, affecting a dog’s kidneys, liver, lungs, and sometimes even the nervous system. A dog showing symptoms after exposure to dirty or stagnant water should be taken to a veterinary clinic immediately.
How Does Leptospirosis Spread?
Dogs get infected when Leptospira bacteria enter the body through small skin cuts or through the eyes, nose, or mouth. This often happens when they:
- Drink from dirty puddles
- Walk through contaminated water
- Lick muddy paws
- Encounter areas with rodent activity
- Ingest soil or water after heavy rains or flooding
Dogs are not natural carriers, which means that the bacteria don’t naturally multiply in them. They get infected “by accident.” But once infected, they can shed the bacteria in their urine, which can contaminate surfaces and pose a risk to humans and other pets.
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What are the Signs and Symptoms of Leptospirosis in Dogs?
The early Leptospirosis symptoms in dogs usually appear 5–14 days after exposure. The first symptoms are subtle and often confused with gastric infections or general fever.
Symptoms of Leptospirosis in dogs may include:
- Lethargy or sudden tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Muscle pain or stiffness
- Reluctance to move
As the disease progresses and organs become affected, more serious symptoms may appear:
- Yellowing of the eyes or gums (jaundice)
- Dehydration
- Abdominal pain
- Bloody urine
- Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid deterioration or collapse
These symptoms develop because Leptospira bacteria quickly multiply in the bloodstream and begin damaging the kidneys, liver, and blood vessels.
How is Leptospirosis Diagnosed in Dogs?
Leptospirosis can resemble many other illnesses, which is why diagnostic testing is necessary.
A simple physical examination is not enough for confirmation.
Veterinarians typically recommend:
- CBC (Complete Blood Count)
- Biochemistry profile to check kidney and liver values
- Urinalysis to check the urine
- MAT (Microscopic Agglutination Test) to detect antibodies (against the Leptospira bacteria)
- PCR test to detect the bacteria’s DNA
These tests tell us how advanced the infection is and which organs are already affected. Early testing can prevent irreversible kidney or liver damage. With Leptospirosis, early diagnosis can also help prevent infection in humans. When a dog is diagnosed with Leptospirosis, it is important that people around the dog maintain complete hygiene practices till the dog recovers.
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How is Leptospirosis in Dogs Treated?
Once diagnosed, treatment needs to begin immediately. Leptospirosis spreads fast, but it also responds well to antibiotics if detected early.
Treatment usually includes:
- Antibiotics to kill the bacteria
- IV fluids to support kidney and liver function
- Anti-nausea medication
- Liver and kidney protective supplements
- Pain relief medication
- Hospitalization in severe cases
Dogs with significant organ involvement may need more intensive care and longer hospitalization.
Because infected dogs shed the bacteria, your vet will guide you on handling their urine safely, maintaining hygiene, and preventing spread to humans or other pets.
Can Dogs Recover from Leptospirosis?
Many pet parents often ask, can dogs recover from Leptospirosis? And the answer to that is – Yes, many dogs recover fully if the disease is detected early.
The outcome largely depends on:
- How early the treatment began
- The degree of kidney and liver damage
- The dog’s overall health
Some dogs may recover but continue to have reduced kidney function long-term. Others may need follow-up blood tests for several months. Untreated leptospirosis can be fatal, which is why early recognition is crucial.
How to Prevent Leptospirosis in Dogs
Most leptospirosis cases are preventable with simple measures:
- Annual vaccination (a key preventive tool). The vaccine commonly used is known as DHPPiL.
- Avoiding stagnant or muddy water during walks
- Preventing your dog from drinking from street puddles
- Controlling rodents around your home and building
- Keeping balconies, gardens, and kennels clean
- Using leashes outdoors to avoid unsupervised roaming
Dogs in high-risk areas may need booster doses depending on your veterinarian’s advice.
As a Dog Parent, What Should You Keep in Mind About Leptospirosis?
- Rat fever in dogs is a serious zoonotic bacterial disease spread mainly through contaminated water.
- Rodents are the most common carriers.
- Symptoms can start with fever and lethargy and, if left untreated, may lead to kidney problems and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes, gums, or skin).
- Diagnosis requires laboratory testing—CBC, biochemistry, MAT, and PCR.
- Early treatment with antibiotics for Leptospirosis in dogs greatly increases the chances of recovery.
- Vaccination and avoiding muddy or stagnant water are the most effective preventive measures.
- Leptospirosis is zoonotic, meaning it can spread from dogs to humans through urine.
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FAQs
Is leptospirosis contagious from dogs to humans?
Yes. Humans can get leptospirosis through contact with the urine of infected dogs or contaminated surfaces. Good hygiene and early treatment reduce the risk significantly.
What should I do if my dog drank water from a dirty puddle?
Monitor for early leptospirosis symptoms in dogs, like vomiting, lethargy, or fever, if your dog drank water from a dirty puddle. If any appear, visit your vet immediately.
How often should dogs get vaccinated for leptospirosis?
Most dogs require an annual booster. Dogs in high-risk areas may need additional vaccination depending on your vet’s recommendation.
Can indoor dogs get leptospirosis?
Yes. Rodents can contaminate balconies, common areas, building corridors, or even water that accumulates during rain. Indoor dogs are not fully protected.
How long does it take for a dog to recover from leptospirosis?
Recovery may take weeks to months. Dogs treated early often recover completely, while those with kidney or liver involvement may need longer supportive care.
