Previously, we asked everyone if your dog spent time around water or wildlife to help determine if he/she had exposure to Leptovirus, a bacteria that can cause liver and kidney failure and can spread to people. The new American Animal Hospital recommendations have changed and they now advise to vaccinate all dogs in the US for Lepto, as it is on the rise in the country. It is spread in wildlife urine but also in mouse urine or racoon urine so it is being seen even where there are no large wild animals like deer. So all dogs have some degree of risk. We are not seeing more cases here at our office, but we want to make you aware of these new recommendations. If you'd like to get your dog vaccinated today, that is included in our adult or complete vaccine package, but they will need a booster vaccine in 2-4 weeks. After that it is yearly so the only extra expense is the initial booster ($40). We are including this with all our puppy vaccines packages at no additional cost (once your puppy is old enough).
