Primary vaccination of dogs against the bacterium Leptospira is given as two vaccinations 2–4 weeks apart. A puppy can be vaccinated from 8 weeks of age at the earliest.
After that, vaccination is given every year (every 6 months for dogs that often travel to countries with Leptospira serovar icterohaemorrhagiae) or as a booster before travelling abroad (dogs that travel occasionally).
Leptospira infects through both intact and damaged mucous membranes, and through skin wounds.
Outbreaks in animals and humans are usually seen after periods of rain or flooding that leave standing water. Leptospira thrives at temperatures of 15–20 °C. The bacterium does not tolerate cold or drying out.
The bacterium is spread by rodents, which shed Leptospira in their urine.
Infected dogs can in turn shed Leptospira bacteria intermittently in their urine for several weeks.
Direct transmission can also occur through bites, eating rodents and mating. Infection can also pass via the uterus to the foetuses.
Some dogs shed the bacteria without showing symptoms. Vaccinated dogs can become infected and spread the infection.
Infected dogs should urinate where other dogs do not walk, sniff or lick. Ideally they should urinate where it is as dry as possible. Limiting the spread of infection is hardest in big cities.
Guldveterinären does not currently vaccinate against leptospirosis due to low demand for the vaccine; please contact a larger clinic.
Guldveterinären’s other services.
Read more about Leptospirosis on the website of the Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA), in Swedish.
