Diagnosis and Treatment

Advice to give dog owners

Dog owners need advice on preventing the transfer of infection from their pet to themselves and other family members. Client education and good hygiene guidelines are recommended. Here is some useful advice for your clients.

  1. Have your dog vaccinated against the four serovars of Leptospira.
  2. Wash your hands after direct contact with your pet or its urine.
  3. Where possible, avoid exercising your dog in wildlife habitat areas.
  4. Prevent your children from playing in areas used for exercising dogs.
  5. If you have been around a dog diagnosed with leptospirosis, seek medical information from your veterinarian or medical provider.

Remember, leptospirosis is an unusual disease in people. Dog owners should be aware of – not alarmed by – leptospirosis. With reasonable precautions, the risk of disease in humans is low. For further information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Lepto has been diagnosed in all types of dogs. All breeds and sizes of dogs are at risk.
Dogs can get sick even if they never come into direct contact with infected animals.
Most dogs that venture outdoors are at risk for lepto.