Facts you should know:
Leptospirosis
- Is a bacterium (spirochete) that dogs (& rarely cats) acquire through contaminated urine from wildlife
- Thrives in warm, moist environments or warm stagnant water
- Can cause increased thirst/urination, sudden fever, decreased appetite, bleeding disorders, & vomiting/diarrhea
- Is a zoonotic disease. This means PEOPLE can contract this disease from their pet’s infected urine (& other sources)
- Can be prevented by limiting your pet’s exposure to potentially contaminated environments &/or vaccinating those pets at risk
Lyme Disease
- Is a bacterium (Borrelia burgdorferi) transmitted by the bite of an infected tick (Ixodes spp.–deer tick & Western black-legged tick)
- Can affect dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages
- Can cause recurrent lameness, kidney failure, deceased appetite, & fever
- Symptoms/Clinical signs usually won’t appear until 2 to 5 months AFTER infection
- Can be prevented by checking your dog’s coat/skin regularly & removing any ticks; using an EFFECTIVE flea/tick preventative YEAR AROUND; and vaccinating against Lyme disease for those pets at risk
We hope this information was helpful. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us!
Wishing you a safe, healthy, & happy summer!!
**SPECIAL**
FOR MAY 2018