Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial infection that affects dogs, and it can also infect humans. The bacteria thrives in warm, wet environments, which makes Nigeria’s tropical climate a perfect breeding ground. When dogs get infected, it can cause severe kidney and liver damage, and if left untreated, it can even be fatal.
Signs that your dog might have Leptospirosis
Image showing a dog resting tiredly with a thermometer inside it’s mouth (source: Shutterstock)
Leptospirosis doesn’t look the same in every dog, some show mild symptoms, while others become very sick. Early signs can be confused with other illnesses, so it’s important to watch closely for changes.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever and body pain
- Tiredness or weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Sore or stiff muscles
If the infection worsens, you may notice:
- Yellow eyes or gums (sign of liver issues)
- Frequent or no urination at all
- Blood in urine or stool
- Swollen legs or belly
- Difficulty breathing
Untreated leptospirosis can lead to kidney or liver failure, and they are both life-threatening conditions.
How dogs get leptospirosis
Image showing a dog sniffing garbage where rats may roam (source: WPR)
Leptospirosis spreads mainly through urine from infected animals, such as rats, livestock, or other dogs. When this urine contaminates water, soil, or food, the bacteria can survive there for weeks, waiting for a host.
Dogs can get infected by:
- Drinking or swimming in dirty, stagnant water
- Walking on contaminated wet ground
- Eating garbage or leftover food
- Chasing or catching rats
Once the bacteria enter the body, they spread through the bloodstream and can seriously damage organs.
Leptospirosis can affect people too
Image showing the connection between a dog and its owner (source: Dreamstime)
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from animals to humans.
People can get it by touching infected urine, cleaning contaminated surfaces, or walking barefoot in dirty water.
In humans, the symptoms may start like the flu, with fever, headache, and body pain, but can progress to liver and kidney damage or even meningitis. This is why hygiene and vaccination are not just about your dog’s health, but your family’s too.
How to prevent leptospirosis in Dogs
Image showing a Veterinary Doctor giving a vaccine to a happy dog (source: depositphotos)
The good news? Leptospirosis is preventable. Here’s how you can keep your dog and your household safe:
1. Vaccinate your Dog
Vaccination is the most effective protection.
- Puppies should get their first leptospirosis shot at 8–9 weeks old.
- Adult dogs need yearly booster vaccines to stay protected.
Don’t skip the annual shots, immunity decreases over time.
2. Keep rats away
Rats are the main carriers of leptospirosis.
- Store pet food in sealed containers.
- Avoid leaving leftovers or open trash overnight.
- Keep your environment clean and clutter-free.
A rat-free home is a safer home for your dog.
3. Avoid dirty or stagnant water
Dogs love to explore puddles, gutters, and flooded areas, but these places can be contaminated.
- Always provide clean, fresh drinking water.
- Don’t let your dog drink from puddles or open drains.
- During the rainy season, supervise outdoor play.
4. Practice good hygiene
Keep your dog’s environment clean and disinfected.
- Wash your hands after touching your dog or cleaning up after them.
- Regularly disinfect sleeping and feeding areas.
- If your dog urinates indoors, clean with disinfectant, not just water.
5. Visit your Vet regularly
Routine vet check-ups help detect infections early. If your dog shows any unusual symptoms, don’t wait, visit your vet immediately.
What happens if your dog gets leptospirosis
Image showing a dog on a hospital bed receiving IV fluids (source: Shutterstock)
If your dog is diagnosed with leptospirosis, quick treatment is needed and must be provided by a licensed Veterinary Doctor. Even after recovery, your dog might still carry the bacteria in its urine for a while, so continued hygiene and vet follow-up are important.
Why leptospirosis is common in Nigeria
Because Nigeria’s weather is warm and often rainy, puddles and stagnant water are common and perfect for bacteria to thrive. Flood-prone areas or places with poor waste management face higher risks. This is why prevention is important all year round, especially through vaccination. Leptospirosis is a scary disease, but it’s 100% preventable with the right care.
If you vaccinate your and keep your environment clean, and you also avoid contact with contaminated water or rats, you can protect both your pet and your family.
If your dog shows any symptoms, or if you’d like to vaccinate them against leptospirosis, don’t wait, reach out to us at Doctor Hulk Veterinary Hospital through 08143397614.
