Leptospirosis causes severe disease and potential liver and kidney failure in dogs, with vaccination providing effective welfare protection.
Leptospirosis causes acute and severe welfare compromise with high mortality in unvaccinated dogs. Survivors may have permanent kidney or liver damage. The disease is both preventable and zoonotic — infected dogs can transmit leptospirosis to humans. Annual vaccination in at-risk dogs provides excellent protection. Risk assessment should consider exposure to standing water, rat activity, and rural environments when advising on vaccination necessity.