New Core Vaccine Alert - Vaccinate your dog for Leptospirosis!

As of 2024, the leptospirosis vaccine is considered a core vaccine for dogs.

This means it’s now recommended for all dogs, regardless of lifestyle. This recommendation comes from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), and AAHA’s vaccine guidelines task force. 

The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine also considers this a core vaccine.

This decision reflects growing concerns about the disease’s prevalence and its zoonotic potential—meaning humans can contract it, too.

WHAT IS LEPTOSPIROSIS? 

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can affect both animals and humans. It’s spread through contaminated water, soil, and the urine of infected wildlife, putting dogs at risk even in urban environments.

Leptospirosis is widespread in wildlife across Los Angeles and surrounding regions according to a 2023 scientific paper. Any dog that goes outdoors can be exposed to Leptospirosis. Infection can lead to severe kidney and liver damage, and in some cases, it can be fatal. 

HOW DO I PROTECT MY DOG? 

The leptospirosis vaccine requires two doses 3-4 weeks apart initially. Boosters are then administered annually. For puppies, we can combine the Leptospirosis vaccine with the DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) vaccine at the 12- and 16-week puppy visits.

Alicia Pet Care Center carries a combination DHPP PLUS Leptospirosis vaccine to minimize the number of injections your puppy needs while still offering comprehensive coverage.

MYTH-BUSTING

"I’ve been told dogs are more likely to have a vaccine reaction with the leptospirosis vaccine."

FALSE! Despite popular belief, dogs are NOT more likely to have a vaccine reaction with the modern leptospirosis vaccines compared to other vaccines. 

If your dog hasn’t been vaccinated against leptospirosis, talk to your veterinarian about adding this important protection to their routine care.

More information: https://www.aaha.org/newstat/publications/leptospirosis-vaccination-recommended-to-be-core-for-most-dogs/

If you are looking for a veterinarian, Alicia Pet Care Center is a 10 Veterinarian Practice located in Mission Viejo, CA. We are a general practice animal hospital that offer everything from wellness visits, vaccines, surgery, dentistry, integrative medicine, boarding and more. Our phone number is 949-768-1313 and you can book by calling or online. We hope to care for your pet!