A dog walks through a misty forest, with glowing bacteria representing Leptospira.

Is Your Dog at Risk? Understanding Canine Leptospirosis and How to Protect Your Furry Friend

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 3 min read.

"A comprehensive guide to canine leptospirosis: Learn about the causes, risk factors, symptoms, and prevention strategies to keep your beloved pet healthy and safe."

Leptospirosis is a globally distributed emerging zoonosis, posing a significant threat to canine health. While various serovars can cause the disease, Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola is commonly found in infected dogs. Understanding the intricacies of this disease is crucial for pet owners aiming to protect their furry companions.

A retrospective study conducted at the Veterinary Hospital of São Paulo State University (UNESP) provides valuable insights into the prevalence and risk factors associated with canine leptospirosis. The study, which analyzed data from 1195 dogs tested between 2003 and 2010, revealed a seroprevalence of 20.08% among the tested dogs.

This article delves into the key findings of the study, exploring the common serovars, potential risk factors, and effective prevention strategies. By understanding these aspects, dog owners can take proactive steps to minimize the risk of leptospirosis and ensure the well-being of their beloved pets.

Decoding Canine Leptospirosis: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know

A dog walks through a misty forest, with glowing bacteria representing Leptospira.

Leptospirosis in dogs is caused by bacteria of the Leptospira genus. Dogs usually get infected by coming into contact with infected urine, contaminated soil or water, or through a bite from an infected animal. Because the bacteria thrive in moist environments, dogs that spend time in such areas have an increased risk of contracting the disease.

Recognizing the signs of leptospirosis is crucial for prompt treatment. Common symptoms include:

Fever
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Increased thirst and urination
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Muscle tenderness

The UNESP study identified several serovars as being prevalent in the region: Canicola (6.7%), Copenhageni (5.0%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (2.9%), and Autumnalis (2.9%). Awareness of these common serovars can help veterinarians in the region make informed decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment.

Taking Action: Prevention and Control of Leptospirosis

Preventing leptospirosis involves a combination of vaccination and minimizing exposure to potentially contaminated environments. Regular vaccination is highly recommended, especially for dogs at higher risk due to their lifestyle or geographic location. Avoiding contact with stagnant water, controlling rodent populations, and practicing good hygiene can also significantly reduce the risk of infection.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/s1678-91992012000100016, Alternate LINK

Title: Occurrence And Risk Factors Associated With Canine Leptospirosis

Subject: Infectious Diseases

Journal: Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: M Kikuti, H Langoni, Dn Nobrega, Apfl Corrêa, Ls Ullmann

Published: 2012-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is Canine Leptospirosis, and why should I be concerned?

Canine Leptospirosis is a globally distributed zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. It's caused by bacteria of the *Leptospira* genus. You should be concerned because it poses a significant threat to canine health, and if left untreated, can lead to severe illness or even death in dogs. Awareness of the disease, its symptoms, and prevention strategies are crucial for protecting your dog.

How do dogs contract Leptospirosis, and what environments increase the risk?

Dogs primarily contract Leptospirosis through contact with infected urine, contaminated soil or water, or from the bite of an infected animal. The bacteria thrive in moist environments. This means dogs that spend time in areas with stagnant water, such as puddles, lakes, or marshes, or areas with high rodent populations, are at increased risk. Proper hygiene and avoiding these high-risk environments can significantly reduce the chance of infection.

What are the common symptoms of Leptospirosis in dogs?

Common symptoms of Leptospirosis in dogs include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and muscle tenderness. Recognizing these signs is crucial for prompt veterinary attention, which can greatly improve the chances of a successful recovery. The presence of these symptoms warrants immediate veterinary consultation.

What are the common serovars of Leptospira that affect dogs, according to the UNESP study?

The UNESP study identified several prevalent serovars, including Canicola (6.7%), Copenhageni (5.0%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (2.9%), and Autumnalis (2.9%). Awareness of these serovars is important for veterinarians in the region for diagnosis and treatment purposes. Knowing the prevalent serovars in your area can help your vet tailor treatment more effectively.

How can I protect my dog from Leptospirosis?

Protecting your dog from Leptospirosis involves a combination of vaccination and minimizing exposure to potentially contaminated environments. Regular vaccination is highly recommended, especially for dogs at higher risk due to their lifestyle or geographic location. Avoiding contact with stagnant water, controlling rodent populations, and practicing good hygiene can also significantly reduce the risk of infection. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best prevention strategy for your dog.