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Vet warns dog owners about leptospirosis risk at outdoor sites
A two-month-old puppy contracted leptospirosis; owners should vaccinate puppies and exercise caution in reservoirs, canals, and farms.
A local veterinary practice warns owners after a two-month-old puppy contracts leptospirosis
Vet warns dog owners about leptospirosis risk at farms and reservoirs
A Wigan veterinary practice, Gilmore Veterinary Surgery in Standish, posted on Facebook on August 11 about a confirmed case of leptospirosis in a two-month-old puppy. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can damage the kidneys and liver and can pass to humans through urine or contaminated water and soil. The NHS notes it is rare in the UK, but still possible.
The post urges owners to keep vaccines up to date, as vaccination is an effective protection. It also warns new puppy owners to be cautious in nature and mentions advice from Vets4Pets to wait two weeks after the final vaccination before letting a puppy outside. The team notes the puppy was locally born and may have been exposed to infected rats attracted by a garden setup with chickens, which can draw rats to homes.
Key Takeaways
"Please be very careful taking unvaccinated dogs around high risk areas"
vet warning about risk to unvaccinated puppies
"The puppy wasn't from abroad, she was born locally"
rebuttal about the puppy's origin
"Thankfully leptospirosis is now rare in UK dogs but it's definitely still around"
infection persists despite overall rarity
"Most studies estimate around 50% of wild rats in the UK are infected with leptospirosis"
rats as reservoir
The warning highlights a practical tension for dog owners: enjoy outdoor spaces while protecting pets from zoonotic disease. Social media lets vets share timely guidance, but it also raises questions about how best to reach new owners and those with limited access to routine care. As more people take dogs to reservoirs, canals, and farms, clear, actionable steps are needed on vaccination timing and risk awareness.
Highlights
- Please be very careful taking unvaccinated dogs around high risk areas
- The puppy wasn't from abroad, she was born locally
- Thankfully leptospirosis is now rare in UK dogs but it's still around
- Most studies estimate around 50 percent of wild rats in the UK are infected with leptospirosis
Public health risk from leptospirosis linked to outdoor dog activities
A recent case in a young puppy underscores the ongoing risk leptospirosis poses to dogs and people when they frequent high risk areas such as reservoirs and farms. Vaccination and careful supervision reduce this risk.
As outdoor life with dogs grows, vaccines and vigilance will stay the frontline defense.
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