Puppy Death Sparks Leptospirosis Alert in Plymouth Neighborhood

Dawn Lapthorn runs a pet-finding service in Plymouth. A friend’s puppy died from leptospirosis; it’s a bacterial disease. She shared the story to raise awareness. The friend lives in Honicknowle where rats are common and spread the disease.

The puppy had orange urine and was sick with diarrhea. Its poo was black and tarry. It drooled and had a fever with shivers. The puppy was tired and had a metallic body odor.

The family wants to warn others and gave Dawn permission to share this. They are sad about the loss of their pup.

Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial infection that can kill dogs. The bacteria damage the liver and kidneys. Dogs on farms are at higher risk, as are dogs that hunt rodents; however, all dogs can get it, though swimming increases the risk. Symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, and jaundice.

Vaccination protects your dog. Furthermore, humans can catch leptospirosis too; in people it’s called Weil’s disease. Leptospirosis damages the liver and kidneys. Bacteria spread through urine and survive in water for months. Dogs catch it through the mouth, nose or wounds.

Infected urine contaminates water or soil. Slow-moving water is risky, like rivers and ponds, especially since rats and farm animals spread it. Dogs get it by sniffing or licking infected urine.

Leptospirosis can pass from dogs to people, but this is rare. However, it is serious for humans, so it’s important to see a doctor if concerned. The bacteria are shed in urine. Wash your hands after touching your dog and wear gloves when cleaning bedding. Follow your vet’s advice to stay safe.

Symptoms vary in dogs, and some dogs show few symptoms. They can still spread the disease, even though a dog can die in two days. See a vet right away if you notice symptoms.

The vet will check your dog and may do blood and urine tests, looking for organ damage and bacteria. Tests may need repeats early on, but vets may start treatment if they suspect it. Treatment includes specific antibiotics. Fluids help, given by IV drip. Anti-sickness medicine and pain relief may also help.

Sick dogs must stay isolated; this stops the spread. Vets will wear protective clothing. Dogs can spread it after recovery, so the vet will advise how to reduce risks. Sadly, some dogs get long-term kidney disease.

Sadly, sometimes euthanasia is the best option, which prevents further suffering for a very sick dog. Leptospirosis is very serious. Quick vet care improves chances, though severely ill dogs often die. Euthanasia is sometimes needed despite treatment.

A yearly vaccine helps prevent it. Different vaccines protect against different strains; some cover two strains (L2) and some four (L4). Ask your vet about the best vaccine. Tell them if your dog is at high risk. Unvaccinated dogs are at higher risk. Puppies have no protection before their shots and need one to three weeks after to be safe. Ask your vet for specific vaccine advice.

Let puppies meet vaccinated dogs only, but puppy classes are generally okay. Socialization is important for them. Make sure no unvaccinated dogs have visited homes. Avoid yards if unvaccinated dogs or rats visit. Avoid farms and stagnant water until fully vaccinated. Taking unvaccinated puppies to public places carries risks; early socializing is vital though so avoid crowds, strange dogs and water. Ask your vet if unsure about a place.