Protect Your Dog from Leptospirosis: Cases Reported at Local Beaches

Did you know a day at the beach could expose your dog to a dangerous disease? Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can spread to both dogs and people. If untreated, it can cause serious kidney and liver damage—and in severe cases, it can be fatal.
 

Recently, local cases have been linked to infected seals at area beaches. Because of the disease’s severity and growing prevalence—even in urban environments—experts at UC Davis and our veterinarians strongly recommend annual leptospirosis vaccination for all dogs.
 

The American Animal Hospital Association recently updated its vaccine guidelines to classify leptospirosis as a core vaccine, recommended for every dog, regardless of lifestyle. Even if your pet doesn’t frequently visit beaches or hiking trails, they can still be at risk. Leptospirosis is a growing threat to both people and pets, and it can be fatal in many cases. In the SF Bay Area, cases typically spike each year between December and March, according to UC Davis.

Protect your dog. Protect your family.

Schedule your dog’s leptospirosis vaccine today to ensure they’re protected. To check your pet’s vaccine status, you can text us at (925) 866‑8387, review a recent invoice, or log into your pet’s portal here to see all current vaccines.
 

Learn more from the Marine Mammal Center.