Leptospirosis Vaccine for Dogs: Is It Right for Your Pet?

The leptospirosis vaccine has recently been added to the list of core canine vaccines, meaning that most veterinarians will now recommend it for dogs. But should you be vaccinating your dog? Is it safe? In this article, I’ll walk you through the details of leptospirosis, the vaccine, and how to make an informed decision for your dog.

What Is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that affects not only dogs but also humans and other animals. It spreads through contaminated water, urine, and environments, particularly in warm, wet areas. The disease is commonly carried by rodents such as rats, but other animals like skunks, cows, sheep, pigs, and goats can also transmit it.

The concern with leptospirosis is that in some cases, it can lead to liver and kidney disease. In severe cases, it can even cause death. However, the disease isn’t common everywhere, and not every dog is at risk.

Why Is Leptospirosis Now a Core Vaccine?

Leptospirosis has recently been classified as a core vaccine by the American Animal Hospital Association and other veterinary organizations. This means that the vaccine is now recommended for all dogs, starting from puppyhood, not just those considered at risk. The decision comes in response to rising cases of leptospirosis, with even an outbreak in my area.

Additionally, leptospirosis poses a zoonotic risk, meaning it can be transmitted from your dog to you. However, while the vaccine is now considered a core vaccine, it may not be the right choice for every dog.

The Risks of the Lepto Vaccine

One thing you’re not being told about the leptospirosis vaccine is that it has one of the highest rates of adverse reactions among all dog vaccines. These side effects include:

• Lethargy
• Acute vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction)
• Generalized shock
• Fever
• Pain and swelling at the injection site

Some dogs may even develop autoimmune diseases after receiving the vaccine. In fact, the leptospirosis vaccine seems to have the highest frequency of side effects compared to other vaccines.

Short Duration of Immunity

Another issue with the leptospirosis vaccine is that it provides a relatively short duration of immunity—just 12 months. This means your dog will need to receive two booster shots during puppyhood, followed by yearly vaccines for the rest of their life. That’s a lot of vaccines and a lot of opportunities for side effects.

Additionally, the leptospirosis vaccine only covers four of the 250 known strains of leptospirosis. So even after vaccinating your dog, it may not be fully protected against the disease.

Small Breeds and Increased Risk of Side Effects

Small breed dogs, such as Chihuahuas and Yorkies, have a much higher incidence of side effects from the leptospirosis vaccine. The standard one-cc dose for a small dog like a Yorkie is much more concentrated than it would be for a larger breed like a Great Dane. This increases the chances of experiencing adverse reactions.

Should You Vaccinate Your Dog for Lepto?

Before deciding whether or not to vaccinate your dog, it’s important to consider whether they are at risk. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Do you live in a high-risk area? Areas with warm, wet conditions and frequent outbreaks of leptospirosis pose a higher risk.
• Does your dog swim in lakes, rivers, or ponds? If your dog drinks from standing water, the risk increases.
• Does your dog spend time in areas with rodents? If you live on a farm or near a chicken coop with rats, the risk is higher.

On the other hand, if your dog has little to no exposure to these environments, they are likely at much lower risk of contracting leptospirosis.

My Decision: Why Tula IS NOT Getting the Lepto Vaccine

As an example, I live in an area where leptospirosis has occurred, but my dog, Tula, will not be receiving the lepto vaccine. Tula is an older dog who does not drink standing water, does not spend time around rodents, and avoids places where contaminated soil might be present.

Instead, I focus on supporting her immune system through:

1. Supplements – Including key antioxidants, colostrum, and probiotics to help boost her immune response.
2. Avoiding Stagnant Water – I make sure Tula stays away from puddles, ponds, and slow-moving streams.
3. Good Hygiene – I clean her paws when she has been around areas where rats might be present, such as a chicken coop.

Making an Informed Decision

The lepto vaccine is now considered a core vaccine, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for every dog. Always weigh the risks and understand the science before making a decision. For some dogs, like Tula, the risks of vaccination outweigh the potential benefits.

I encourage you to go through the checklist for your dog: Are they at risk? Do they spend time in high-risk areas? And most importantly, do you want to risk side effects from the vaccine?

Thank you for reading, and remember to always make an informed decision when it comes to your pet’s health.

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