Medically reviewed by Dr. Dean Severidt, Director of Medical Excellence, on September 21, 2026
You want the best for your dog, and that includes knowing what could make them sick. Leptospirosis, often called lepto, is one of those things many pet parents have never heard of until a vet brings it up. So, here’s a clear look at what it is and what you can do about it.
What Is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can affect both dogs and people. It's caused by Leptospira bacteria, which spread through the urine of infected animals, and in dogs it can damage the kidneys and liver. Many dogs recover with prompt veterinary care, though some are left with lasting kidney or liver problems. The good news is that leptospirosis is preventable, and a vaccine is available for dogs.
How Do Dogs Get Leptospirosis?
Dogs can get exposed when contaminated urine, water, or soil comes into contact with their mouth, nose, eyes, or broken skin. Puddles, ponds, and slow-moving water are common sources, but your dog doesn't have to be submerged to be exposed.
The bacteria usually come from rodents and wildlife like raccoons, which pass it in their urine. From there, it can linger in damp soil and standing water for weeks to months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Where Is Leptospirosis Most Common?
Leptospirosis isn't just a rural or country-dog concern. Dogs can be exposed in urban and suburban areas, too, where rodents and wildlife can spread the bacteria. AAHA notes that dogs can be at risk regardless of whether they live in an urban or rural setting.
Leptospirosis has also been reported in places with very different climates, including Arizona, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Wyoming. Leptospirosis tends to occur more often during warmer, wetter periods, with canine cases often peaking from late summer into fall.
Lepto Vaccine Requirements for Dog Daycare and Boarding
Starting January 11, 2027, Bark Hotel for Dogs will require dogs to be vaccinated against leptospirosis before daycare, boarding, grooming, or training. Veterinary care is the only exception.
The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) School of Veterinary Medicine notes that lepto outbreaks have occurred in boarding and daycare facilities and recommends that these facilities require proof of vaccination. To share your dog's records, email us or upload them through Yourgi.
Can People Get Leptospirosis from Their Dog?
Yes, but transmission from an infected dog is much less common than other ways people get leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is zoonotic, meaning it can spread between animals and people. In the United States, most human cases have been linked to recreational water exposure or contact with infected rodents, although people can also become infected through direct contact with an infected animal's urine.
An infected dog can shed Leptospira bacteria in its urine. If your dog has leptospirosis, avoid contact with their urine until they have received proper treatment. If you need to clean up their urine, wear gloves, cover any cuts or wounds on your skin, and wash your hands afterward.
That’s also where vaccination comes in. Vaccination can help prevent dogs from getting sick and can help prevent them from shedding Leptospira bacteria in their urine. This matters in shared spaces such as daycare play areas, boarding areas and outdoor spaces, where dogs, pet parents and staff may share the same environment.
Symptoms of Leptospirosis in Dogs
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and some infected dogs show few or no signs of illness. They often appear about a week after exposure, according to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Here is what to watch for:
Loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea
Increased thirst and urination
Low energy, stiffness, or muscle soreness
Fever or belly pain
Yellowing of the gums, skin, or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
In more serious cases, the AVMA lists kidney or liver failure, trouble breathing, and bleeding problems.
Many of these signs overlap with other common illnesses, so it’s best not to sort it out at home. If your dog seems off, especially after time near standing water, wildlife, or rodents, call your veterinarian right away. The AVMA notes that dogs caught early have a favorable outlook, which is one more reason not to wait and see. For more information about vaccination requirements, check with our team at Bark Hotel for Dogs at (972) 402-6653.
Signs of Leptospirosis in Humans
In people, leptospirosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, many of which can be mistaken for other illnesses. The CDC says it generally takes 2 to 30 days to get sick after contact with the bacteria.
Common symptoms include:
Fever, chills, and headache
Muscle aches and fatigue
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Stomach pain
Red eyes or a rash
Some people go on to develop more serious problems, including jaundice, kidney or liver trouble, or inflammation around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). If you feel unwell after time around contaminated water, wildlife, or a sick animal, see your health care provider and mention the exposure. It helps them get you the right care sooner.
How to Help Prevent Leptospirosis in Dogs
Keep your dog's lepto vaccine up to date
Vaccination is an important way to help protect your dog from leptospirosis. The AVMA recommends that all dogs be vaccinated against leptospirosis, and AAHA now lists the leptospirosis vaccine as a core vaccine. Vaccination can help keep dogs from getting sick and can help prevent them from shedding Leptospira bacteria in their urine.
A dog getting the vaccine for the first time typically needs two doses, two to four weeks apart, starting at 12 weeks of age or older. After the initial series, annual boosters are recommended to keep protection up to date. Current vaccines are highly effective against the most common types of leptospirosis, and your veterinarian can recommend the schedule that fits your dog.
Everyday habits that help
Vaccination works best alongside a few simple habits, since no vaccine can stop exposure altogether.
Keep your dog away from puddles, ponds, and other standing water when you can.
Bring fresh water on outings so your dog has a clean alternative to puddles or stagnant water.
Steer clear of wildlife and rodents, and clear out food, trash, or clutter that draws them to your yard.
Wash your hands after handling your dog, and wear gloves if you need to clean up urine.
Protecting Every Dog at Bark Hotel for Dogs in McKinney, TX
At Bark Hotel for Dogs, dogs spend their days making new friends and resting side by side, so keeping shared spaces healthy is a priority for our team. Whether your dog joins us for daycare, overnight boarding, or a visit to our Paw Spa, our lepto vaccine requirement helps protect every dog in our care. Visit us at 2100 McKinney Ranch Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75070, call us at (972) 402-6653, or email us with questions or to share your dog's vaccination records.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leptospirosis
Is leptospirosis contagious between dogs?
Yes, it can spread between dogs, though it isn't common. An infected dog can shed the bacteria in their urine, and the AVMA lists contact with other dogs, such as at dog parks or boarding and training facilities, as a risk factor. Vaccination helps prevent dogs from getting sick and from shedding the bacteria, which protects every dog in a shared space.
Can cats get leptospirosis?
Yes, but it's rare. The AVMA notes that cats can become ill from leptospirosis, but it happens only rarely. The CDC says outdoor cats likely have a higher risk because of contact with rodents, wildlife, or contaminated water.
What are the signs of leptospirosis in dogs?
Loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, low energy, fever, and jaundice are the most common signs. Some dogs show very few signs. If your dog seems off, call your veterinarian right away.
How is leptospirosis diagnosed and treated?
Veterinarians diagnose leptospirosis with blood and urine tests and treat it with antibiotics and supportive care. Your veterinarian may also recommend X-rays or an ultrasound. According to Cornell, treatment usually includes an antibiotic, most often doxycycline, for at least two weeks. Some dogs need to stay in the hospital for IV fluids. Early treatment helps dogs recover and reduces how much bacteria they shed, according to the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) School of Veterinary Medicine.
How often does my dog need the leptospirosis vaccine?
Once a year, after an initial series of two doses. A dog getting the vaccine for the first time typically needs two doses two to four weeks apart, starting at 12 weeks of age or older. After that, a yearly booster keeps protection current.
Is the leptospirosis vaccine safe for my dog?
Yes, for most dogs. Modern leptospirosis vaccines are considered safe, and serious reactions are uncommon, according to AAHA and UC Davis. As with any vaccine, let your veterinarian know if your dog has reacted to one before, so they can plan accordingly.
Can a vaccinated dog still get leptospirosis?
Yes, but it's less likely, and the illness is usually milder. There are many strains of Leptospira bacteria, and the CDC notes that the vaccine doesn't cover all of them, so it can't offer 100% protection. It does protect against the four most common strains, according to Cornell, and the CDC says it can make future infections less severe. That's why yearly boosters and a few simple everyday habits work best together.
Does my dog need the lepto vaccine for daycare or boarding?
Yes. Starting January 11, 2027, Bark Hotel for Dogs will require dogs to be vaccinated against leptospirosis before daycare, boarding, grooming, or training. Veterinary care is the only exception. The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) School of Veterinary Medicine notes that lepto outbreaks have occurred in boarding and daycare facilities and recommends that these facilities require proof of vaccination. To share your dog's records, email us or upload them through Yourgi.
Questions about leptospirosis, or not sure where your dog stands on the vaccine? Reach out to our team at Bark Hotel for Dogs in McKinney, TX and we'll help.
Sources
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American Animal Hospital Association. (2025). "Update: AAHA guidelines designate Leptospirosis vaccine as core." AAHA NEWStat. https://www.aaha.org/newstat/publications/leptospirosis-vaccination-recommended-to-be-core-for-most-dogs/
American Animal Hospital Association. (n.d.). "Leptospirosis: Nearly every dog is potentially at risk." AAHA Client Handout. https://www.aaha.org/wp-content/uploads/globalassets/02-guidelines/2022-aaha-canine-vaccination-guidelines/resources/leptospirosis-handout.pdf
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