A bacterial infection with relevance to the household
Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Exposure can occur through the urine of infected animals or contaminated water and environments. The infection can damage the kidneys and liver and cause serious illness. It is also zoonotic, which means people can become infected.
Fever, lethargy, vomiting, changes in urine output or yellowing of the skin or eyes warrant assessment; these signs are not specific to leptospirosis. If it is suspected, avoid direct contact with urine and ask the veterinary team about hygiene precautions. Anyone who may have been exposed should consult a human healthcare professional.
What to check about vaccination
Leptospirosis vaccines cover particular bacterial groups, not every variant. Product composition and boosters matter. Do not assume coverage from a record that only says “multivalent” or “octuple”; the veterinarian should review the recorded product and exposure risk. Vaccination does not treat an active infection.
Prepare information about your dog’s environment
When requesting a preventive review, describe your dog’s everyday environment and bring any vaccination records you have. Distinguish routine outings from recent situations you want to discuss. An organised summary helps raise questions without mixing up different animals’ histories.
If you do not understand the name written on a vaccine record, bring a clear photo of the full page. You can ask about its composition and how the next check will be decided; you do not need to reconstruct a dose schedule on your own.
If your dog is ill now
Describe the symptoms when requesting care and seek prompt care at a centre if your dog is markedly deteriorating. Reinavet provides scheduled visits, not emergency response. A planned vaccination appointment does not replace assessment of an active illness.
Related resources
Review canine vaccination and the canine combination vaccine. Use Contact to arrange a review of your pet’s history and confirm availability.
Source
Merck Veterinary Manual: Leptospirosis in Dogs. Accessed 20 October 2026. Educational information; clinical decisions are individual.