Leptospirosis in dogs – signs and what to do
Contact a vet todayContact your vet today if you think your dog has this – it can become serious. Leptospirosis is an infectious illness in dogs.
What you can do now
- Contact your vet today
- Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see
- Take a photo or short video to show the vet
- Keep fresh water available
- Let your dog rest somewhere calm
Don't
- Do not give any human medicine
- Do not wait if it gets worse
What it is
Leptospirosis can be life-threatening in dogs.[1] It can cause signs such as yellow gums and eyes, vomiting, diarrhoea, low energy and eating less than normal.[1]
Signs
How a vet finds out
- A physical examination
How vets treat it
- Antibiotics
- Fluids through a drip
- Anti-sickness medication
- Pain relief
What the experts say
“Jaundice (yellow gums and eyes) ; Vomiting ; Diarrhoea (which can sometimes be bloody) ; Lethargy ; Eating less than normal ; Weight loss ; Drinking and weeing more than normal ; Difficulty breathing or breathing quicker than normal ; Coughing”
Not sure how serious it is?
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Common questions
What signs can leptospirosis cause in dogs?
Signs can include yellow gums and eyes, vomiting, diarrhoea, low energy, eating less than normal, weight loss, drinking and weeing more than normal, breathing difficulty or faster breathing, and coughing.[1]
How may a vet find out if a dog has leptospirosis?
A vet may perform a physical examination.[1]
How may a vet treat leptospirosis?
A vet may use antibiotics, fluids through a drip, anti-sickness medication and pain relief.[1]
Sources
How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages
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