A Fenland veterinary practice has shared advice to help dog owners protect their pets from a potentially fatal disease after a rise in cases nationally.
Trio Vets in Chatteris said that leptospirosis, while historically rare, can make dogs seriously ill - and even kill them - and also be passed onto humans as Weil’s disease.
"Make sure that your dogs' annual booster vaccination is kept up to date and try not to leave dog bowls outside overnight as they could get contaminated," said a vet at the practice.
The advice comes after a golden retriever fell ill with the disease in Hitchin.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that dogs catch when they are exposed to urine from wildlife - mostly rats, or farm animals that carry the bacteria.
Dogs can become infected by drinking from a contaminated water source, but also via damaged skin or their gums. This disease can cause kidney failure, jaundice and bleeding into the lungs.
Dog owners can protect both their pets and themselves by keeping annual booster vaccinations up to date. While vaccinated dogs can still get infected, the risk of acquiring the infection is significantly reduced.
Symptoms of leptospirosis in dogs may include fever, jaundice, muscle pain, limping, weakness and collapse. They may vomit, have a reduced appetite and drink more.
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