The leptospirosis vaccine is now considered a core vaccine for dogs by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and The Drake Center.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease transmitted through infected urine of wildlife including rodents, rabbits, squirrels, coyotes, opossums, and raccoons. Dogs are exposed to this disease by drinking contaminated water or contact with urine on wet or dewy surfaces such as grass. The bacteria enters the dog through a mucus membrane or broken skin and can lead to kidney and liver damage, respiratory compromise, clotting issues, and eye issues. The bacteria are also shed in the dog's urine making exposure to humans a significant concern.
We recommend that all puppies start this vaccine at about 12 weeks of age (sooner if the risk is very high) and it is a 2 part vaccine meaning there is a booster 3-4 weeks later. Adult dogs who have not been vaccinated can start the vaccine at any age and it also requires a booster and then it becomes an annual vaccine. Unfortunately, there is some misinformation out there about this vaccine and its safety for use in dogs. In a study of 130,000 dogs, there was not an increased risk of an adverse event with the leptospirosis vaccine.
Of course, we will make adjustments to our recommendations based on previous vaccine reactions or other contraindications on an individual basis but we strongly recommend this vaccine for all dogs in our area.