Leptospirosis in Dogs: What You Need to Know Before You Travel
As pet owners, we always want the best for our furry family members — whether that means quality food, regular vet care, or making sure they’re protected when we hit the road for a holiday or adventure. One thing you may not have thought about when travelling with your dog is the risk of leptospirosis — a potentially serious disease that’s more common in some areas than others.
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by organisms known as Leptospira. Dogs can become infected through contact with infected water, soil, or the urine of infected animals, including wildlife such as rodents, possums, and livestock.
The bacteria enter the body through broken skin, or through mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, or mouth — and it thrives in warm, wet environments.
How Do Dogs Catch It?
Dogs are most at risk when they:
Drink from or swim in contaminated puddles, ponds, or rivers
Walk or play in muddy or marshy areas
Have close contact with wildlife or farm animals
Spend time in kennels or shelters where other dogs may be infected
Even sniffing or licking contaminated ground can be enough to contract the disease.
Is It a Problem Locally?
In our city, leptospirosis is not currently an issue, which is why it’s not included in the routine core vaccinations. However, the risk increases significantly in other areas, especially in warmer, more humid climates or during wet seasons.
If you’re planning a holiday or travel with your dog — whether it’s a weekend away to a rural area, a trip up north, or anywhere outside our local region — leptospirosis might be something to consider.
If you are wanting to know if you are headed to an area where Lepto is a concern, we recommend calling a local veterinary clinic and asking them if they recommend the vaccine before coming out.
Why is Leptospirosis a Concern?
Leptospirosis can cause serious health issues in dogs, including:
Kidney and liver failure
Vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite
Jaundice and muscle pain
In some cases, it can be fatal if not treated early
It’s also zoonotic, meaning it can be passed from dogs to humans, posing a risk to your whole household — particularly young children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems.
The Good News: There’s a Vaccine
Thankfully, leptospirosis is preventable with a vaccine that protects against the most common strains. While it’s not part of the routine vaccination schedule here due to the low local risk, we do offer the leptospirosis vaccine for dogs who may be travelling to higher-risk areas.
If you’re unsure whether your dog needs it, just ask us! We’re happy to talk through your travel plans and help you decide whether vaccination is recommended.
When Should My Dog Be Vaccinated?
Ideally, your dog should receive the leptospirosis vaccine at least four to six weeks before travelling to give their immune system time to build protection. For dogs who haven’t had it before, an initial series of two doses (given a few weeks apart) is usually required, followed by annual boosters if needed.
Final Thoughts
While leptospirosis might not be on your radar for day-to-day life at home, it’s an important consideration for adventurous dogs and their humans. Prevention is always better than treatment — and a simple vaccine could spare your dog (and you) from a serious illness.
🚗 Going away soon? Let’s talk about whether leptospirosis vaccination is right for your pet. Give us a call or book a consultation to chat with our team.