Following the early start of the wet season this year in many parts of the country, pet insurers are warning dog owners to be cautious due to an increase in claims for leptospirosis – a bacterial disease that dogs can catch from ponds and puddles.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that spreads through infected rat urine. It can be transmitted to dogs through food, bedding, or, more commonly, contaminated stagnant water. It enters the body through the mouth, through broken skin, or by drinking contaminated water.

Unfortunately, symptoms may not appear until some time after a dog comes into contact with the bacteria and develops the infection. Some are even completely asymptomatic.

When symptoms do appear, they frequently resemble a bad case of the flu. Your dog may have a high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and a loss of appetite. In many cases, this infection is accompanied by muscle stiffness or decreased mobility.

While these issues may not be severe in your dog, the problem is that untreated leptospirosis can cause organ damage. Long-term or acute leptospirosis has resulted in kidney or liver failure in some cases.

The wet weather on the east coast has increased Leptospirosis claims. Credit: Getty Images.
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According to Nadia Crighton of Pet Insurance Australia, there has been an increase in cases of Leptospirosis in dogs.

That is why she's urging a lot of pet owners, especially those who have been impacted by the heavy rains, to get their dogs (and themselves) vaccinated against the disease.

"This is certainly becoming a big problem and pet owners do need to be vigilant in keeping their pets safe," she added.

Over the course of the past year, Pet Insurance Australia has received a number of claims for amounts as high as $3,000 for the treatment of leptospirosis in dogs.

When rainy weather started last year's mice plague in rural NSW, health agencies reported an increase in Leptospirosis infections not just in dogs, but also in humans.

Humans can contract the disease, which can cause renal failure and meningitis, in the same manner that our four-legged mates do: through polluted water and dirt.

To keep your dog safe from Leptospirosis, Pet Insurance Australia recommends:

• Keep them on a leash
• Do not allow them to play in ponds or puddles
• Keep their area clean and hygienic, Clean up rubbish around the home and yard
• Do not leave lots of food out for your pets, not only does it attracts rats but it is wasteful
• Stay away from flooded parks and muddy areas

Symptoms include being off food, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, and yellowing of the whites of the eyes, which appear 7 days after contact with the bacteria.

Because the sickness is potentially fatal, please contact your nearest emergency veterinarian right away if you feel your pet is sick.

Although the symptoms may appear minor at first, treatment should not be delayed. A timely response could mean the difference between life and death.

To learn more about leptospirosis immunisation and to assess your dog's risk, please make an appointment with your local veterinarian. You can also view the video below for additional details.

Credit: Heron Lakes Animal Hospital.​

 

[Ricci]

This is a timely reminder, just a couple of weeks ago I took ownership of a couple of little rescue dogs. They are off to the vet this week to get registered and checked over. I will be sure to ask about the risk locally.

 

[Liz]

This is a timely reminder, just a couple of weeks ago I took ownership of a couple of little rescue dogs. They are off to the vet this week to get registered and checked over. I will be sure to ask about the risk locally.

Ricci thank you for rescuing, it is so rewarding getting rescue animals especially if noone else wanted them. Good luck with your dogs.

 

[Ricci]

Ricci thank you for rescuing, it is so rewarding getting rescue animals especially if noone else wanted them. Good luck with your dogs.

I have owned dogs all my life and the vast majority of them have been rescues. I find that rescue dogs are generally well behaved, loyal and loving. It's as if they know you rescued them from a dismal life in a kennel. Rescue groups do such good work. However, it seems to me that just lately some of them are jumping on the bandwagon and I have seen mixed breed dogs going for in excess of $2000, at that price you're halfway to a pedigree pup. I got my two, aged 8 and 11 for $600 for both, this was to cover their vet checks and jabs.

 

[Liz]

I have owned dogs all my life and the vast majority of them have been rescues. I find that rescue dogs are generally well behaved, loyal and loving. It's as if they know you rescued them from a dismal life in a kennel. Rescue groups do such good work. However, it seems to me that just lately some of them are jumping on the bandwagon and I have seen mixed breed dogs going for in excess of $2000, at that price you're halfway to a pedigree pup. I got my two, aged 8 and 11 for $600 for both, this was to cover their vet checks and jabs.

I too rescue cats Ricci, from AWL mainly and because I am a golden hearts member I get the cats for less. So I give them a donation. I think the Rescue Shelters do a fantastic job. My cats have come with their vaccinations, and vet checks done. I have just rescued a little stray who was in the shelter for quite some time and she is turning out to be, with time, a loving little one. It is very rewarding watching them come out of their shells and show their real personalities, isn't it Ricci.