If your dog has been to see us for vaccines, you might be familiar with the concept of “core” and “non-core” vaccinations.  Core vaccines, including Distemper/parvo and Rabies, are vaccines that are recommended for ALL dogs to receive.  Non-core vaccines, including Bordetella (Kennel Cough), Lyme Disease, and Influenza are vaccines not needed by all dogs but recommended if there is a risk for exposure based on lifestyle of the individual.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that dogs can acquire from drinking water in endemic areas.  If infected, dogs can become quite sick, progressing potentially into life threatening illness.  Carriers include raccoons, rats, and some other wildlife.   The disease is transmitted through urine, so exposure does not require direct contact with a carrier, just access to areas where they have urinated.  While, in the past, this infection has been associated with rural areas, cases are being seen as commonly now in urban areas – likely the result of expansion of human development and redistribution of wildlife populations.

Historically, Leptospirosis was considered a non-core vaccine – recommended mostly for outdoorsy, hiking, hunting dogs.  However, with improved awareness of infections present in urban and suburban regions, recent updates to the American Animal Hospital Association Vaccine Guidelines have re-classified Leptospirosis as a core vaccine.  This is in alignment with consensus statements by the American College of Internal Medicine and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.

Another reason that Leptospirosis had not been broadly recommended in the past, was the increased incidence of vaccines reactions, especially in small and toy breed dogs.  Thankfully, advances in vaccines today mean that the risk of a reaction to the Leptospirosis is no greater than the risk with any vaccine.  As with any vaccine, if your pet has an adverse reaction (soreness, swelling at the injection site, hives/itching), we can provide medication that will minimize those effects.

Unfortunately, Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can also infect humans.  Therefore, keeping your pets protected against Leptospirosis also helps protect you and your family.  If your pet has not been receiving the Leptospirosis vaccine, they will require a 2-part series to get caught-up.  After that, the vaccine is updated annually.

Helping your pets and your family stay healthy is our primary goal.  If you have questions or concerns about Leptospirosis, or need to schedule a vaccine for your pet, please do not hesitate to reach out.

For additional information, see links below:
AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines
ACVIM Leptospirosis Consensus Statement
WSAVA 2024 Vaccination Guidelines