Given the recent torrential downpours cause by Hurricane Florence and the recent tornadoes in the metro Richmond area, it is necessary to be extremely cautious about letting your pets drink water that is outdoors.  Standing water is a perfect home for bacteria, and one in particular that is always present is “lepto.”  

 

Lepto is transmitted most commonly through rodent urine, so it can appear most anywhere outdoors--not just in water.  Common signs of contamination in pets include vomiting, diarrhea, and other flu-like symptoms.  

 

Pets tend to dramatically increase their water in-take, and thus urinate more frequently.  This is a sign that kidneys may be compromised.  Pets may become jaundiced if the liver has been affected.  A common sign of jaundice is yellowing of the eyes and skin.

 

What should you do?  Prevention is a favored option. While not a common vaccination, it is available.  The good news is the disease is treatable if it is caught in its early stages.  Otherwise, it can become deadly.

 

Consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns--as always.  This condition is most prevalent in autumn.    

 

Source: www.channel3000.com