All pet owners should be aware of a bacteria called leptospirosis heading into the warmer months. Often referred to as Lepto, the bacteria can affect domestic cats, unvaccinated dogs, and other mammals, including humans. This bacteria typically spreads through the urine of infected animals, contaminating water sources, soil, or vegetation.
Dogs are more commonly affected by Lepto, with symptoms including fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, muscle pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and in severe cases, kidney or liver failure, and even death. Similar symptoms can be seen in cats, too. Commonly, there is an increase in Lepto cases in the summer, with more owners taking their dogs to public places for exercise or hiking outside.
To prevent Lepto, we recommend speaking to your veterinarian about vaccines. In addition, be sure to practice good hygiene with your pet, such as not allowing them to drink from or swimming in potentially contaminated water sources. If you suspect your dog or cat has been exposed to Lepto or is showing symptoms, it’s essential to seek veterinary care promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early detection and treatment can improve the prognosis and outcome for an infected animal.
Leptospirosis can also affect tigers. At the Refuge, we refill water dishes thrice daily, ensuring each dish has been cleaned thoroughly. Additionally, we have a rigorous cleaning schedule to drain, scrub, and refill pools to limit the possibility of contaminated environments.
