About Leptospirosis
Lepto Can Be Found Anywhere!
Lepto is spread through urine from infected animals. The bacteria can survive in warm areas, such as puddles, ponds, slow-moving rivers, stagnant water, as well as ditches. Dogs are susceptible when they come in contact with these infected areas, but it must be direct contact, such as drinking from the areas listed above. Lepto bacteria is spread through damaged skin or mucus membranes. Lepto can even affect humans as well.
Common Carriers of Lepto
Common carriers of Lepto are raccoons, skunks, and rats.
Importance of Vaccination
Vaccinations are very important. This vaccine can help protect your pet against this serious life-threatening disease, providing year-round coverage. Leptospirosis can have devastating consequences for both pets and humans. Treatment is difficult and can be costly, while prevention through a vaccine is safe and effective.
Early Symptoms of Lepto
Early symptoms of Lepto appear to be flu-like, including fever, lethargy, joint pain, vomiting, and frequent urination.
Lepto Risk Survey
Take this survey to find out if your dog(s) could be at risk. Just answer yes or no to each question:
- Does your dog(s) have access to any standing water? (Lakes, ponds, puddles, etc.)
- Does your dog roam rural areas or new residential developments near woods or farmland?
- Do you live in an urban area where rats, raccoons, and skunks exist?
- Do you live near an area that accumulates water after heavy rainfall?
- Are you in a newly developed area near woods or farmland?
- Do you kennel your pet?
About Lyme
Transmission and Risk of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is transmitted through infected ticks; one bite is all it takes. Ticks are an all-year problem—if it is above 4 degrees Celsius, they can still be lingering in the grass. Ticks are rapidly growing and spreading to new areas; they are not just found in the woods, they can be found in your own backyard!
Preventative Options
There are a few preventative options for your pet, including:
- A vaccine
- Parasite control chewable tablets
- Topicals
Lyme Vaccine
The Lyme vaccine is a yearly vaccine your pet will receive based on regions where ticks are most common and your pet’s lifestyle. If your lifestyle includes hiking, walking, or camping, talk to your veterinarian.
Bravecto for Tick Prevention
Bravecto is a chewable tablet that provides 12 weeks of protection against fleas and ticks. This is a very popular and safe product.
Cat Bravecto
Cat Bravecto is a soon-to-be-introduced product in veterinary clinics. This product is a topical treatment and provides the same length of protection for your cat.
Advantix Caution for Cat Owners
Advantix is a topical product that protects monthly against ticks, fleas, and some intestinal parasites. This product is toxic to cats, so make sure to keep your cat away from your dog for a minimum of 12 hours to allow the product to dry completely. If you own cats and this product isn’t ideal, try Bravecto for extra protection!
About Ticks
What Are Ticks?
Ticks are eight-legged parasites that feed on the blood of animals and people to grow and reproduce. Ticks can live anywhere but prefer moist, humid environments. They lay their eggs on the ground, and their usual habitat is forests and fields. They are most active when the weather is cool and damp, such as during spring and fall.
Signs of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Lyme disease in dogs can cause lameness, lethargy, and swollen lymph nodes. Some of these signs may appear months after your pet has been in contact with an infected tick.
Tick Removal Tip
Use a lint roller after activities where you and your pet may be in fields or woods. Roll the lint roller over your pet to catch any ticks stuck to the tacky paper. Ticks are very small and can look similar to moles, so be sure to fully check your pet for any lumps or bumps.
Tick Twisters
We also have tick twisters! Stop by our clinic to pick one up. Tweezers are not effective for removing ticks. The tick twister provides a crowbar-like action where you scoop under the tick by the head, twist, and pull up. This ensures you have successfully removed the whole tick and not left behind the detached head.
Contact Your Veterinarian
If you have any further questions about the topics listed above, please contact your veterinarian for more information!
Written by Laura Critch