Warning: deadly disease spreads in warm weather...

Pilot Pup Haven, getting her checkup and vaccinations.

As the weather gets warmer, your companion animal may be more at risk of contracting leptospirosis. 

Animals like dogs and cats, as well as wild animals, can contract the bacteria from contact with contaminated water, soil, or food, or from infected urine. In areas with a lot of rain or floods, the risk of exposure increases significantly, but urban environments are not exempt, especially where there is overcrowding or poor sanitation.

In companion animals, symptoms can range from none at all to severe illness. Common signs include fever, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and in severe cases, kidney or liver failure. Because these symptoms are similar for a variety of health issues, it's essential for any animal showing these signs to be examined by a veterinarian.

Stray dogs are at high risk for diseases like leptospirosis. Here's Pilot Pup Haven, the day she was rescued by 600MillionDogs

Protecting our companion animals from leptospirosis involves a combination of vaccination, minimizing exposure to high-risk areas, and practicing good hygiene. Here are some key steps:

1. Vaccination: Consult with your veterinarian about vaccinating your companion animal against leptospirosis. (It's the "L" in the "DHLPP" vaccination.)

2. Avoid Contaminated Water and Soil: Try to prevent your companion animals from drinking or swimming in standing water, especially if it's unclear whether the water might be contaminated. 

3. Good Hygiene: After handling animals, especially those who are sick, wash your hands thoroughly. This practice helps prevent the spread of the disease to humans and other animals.

Pilot Pup Haven, enjoying her walk!

All companion animals deserve access to a loving guardian who will do all they can to protect them from harm. That's why our mission is to end the number one cause of suffering and death for dogs and cats -- overpopulation -- by developing a permanent-lasting birth control cookie that will only need to be eaten one time, and it will in effect spay or neuter -- without surgery. 

The good news is that each of us can pitch in and help animals now for only $1 a month!

Yes! I want to help animals for as little as $1 a month!

Thanks for caring about animals!

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Sources: Cornell Canine Health Center