Leptospirosis

How it's transmitted

Lepto is usually spread through the urine of an infected animal. Most dogs that venture outdoors are at risk for lepto. Dogs typically become infected when they come into contact with wet grass, soil, puddles, streams or ponds contaminated with the urine of infected animals. The bacteria can enter through a cut in the skin or mucous membranes, such as the eye, nose or mouth.

Here's how easy it is for a dog to become exposed to lepto. An infected rat urinates in a puddle of water on the sidewalk or an infected raccoon urinates in the dew covered grass along a walkway. You walk your dog in these areas and the dog steps in the contaminated material. Once home, your dog licks his feet during normal grooming and is exposed.

Wildlife and domestic animals commonly infected with lepto include: