Old Farm Veterinary Hospital offers the leptospirosis vaccine for pets in Frederick, Maryland.
Dogs love to explore the outside world – especially with their noses! It’s fun to let them run around in the backyard or at the park, but there is always the risk of encountering nasty bacteria.
Thankfully, vaccines are available to protect our furry friends. They work by injecting a non-active component of the bacteria into the body. This acts like a “warm-up round” for the immune system, so it has the antibodies it needs to fight off the disease in the future.
What Is Leptospirosis?
One important vaccine to consider is the Leptospirosis vaccine or lepto for short. It protects against a bacterial infection of the same name.
This bacteria is often found in soil, water, and food worldwide. It is spread by infected animals. Leptospirosis can also infect humans, however, transfer from dogs to their owners is not common.
Without treatment, Leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death.
Does My Dog Need The Leptospirosis Vaccine?
The Leptospirosis Vaccine is often considered non-core, which means it is not required for every dog regardless of location or lifestyle. However, due to the prevalence of the disease, many vets strongly recommend it. In fact, it is the most common zoonotic disease in the world. Leptospirosis has been identified in this area and we recommend protection against it.
It can be difficult to diagnose due to the generic symptoms it presents, such as:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Muscle pain
- Stiffness or weakness
- Depression or lethargy
Your pet is at high risk for Leptospirosis if they:
- Drink from ponds, lakes, rivers, or streams
- Live with or near farm animals
- Share a backyard with roaming wild animals. For example, raccoons, opossums, skunks, squirrels, and deer
- Have contact with mice, rats, and other rodents
- Interact with other dogs regularly
Even if your pet rarely encounters wild animals or other domesticated pets, there is still always a risk. Some public places, such as dog parks or boarding facilities, will require this vaccine. These precautions keep our pets safe by reducing the risk of an outbreak.
Vaccines For Pets in Frederick, Maryland
Here at Old Farm Veterinary Hospital, we offer everything you need to keep your pet healthy and happy. We provide a variety of vaccines, including the Leptospirosis vaccine, in Frederick, Maryland.
Our friendly staff will ensure your pet is comfortable during his wellness exam and routine vaccinations. Call now to schedule an appointment!
