Healthy Dogs! Learn About "Lepto"

by Tamara Variano

April showers might bring May Flowers, but they also leave puddles and standing water that can be host to dangers for your animals. A thirsty dog sees a puddle as an opportunity to take a drink.  However, if another critter  (rodent, raccoon, squirrel, opossum, deer, fox and even other dogs) were drinking at the same watering hole and  were infected with Leptospirosis your dog is  in danger of contracting it.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is transmitted through the urine of infected animals.  It is zoonotic and can be be transmitted to other animals and humans, too. It can be contracted  from any body of water that is infected by the urine of an infected animal or by coming directly in contact with the urine itself.

The Lepto bacteria can enter the body through any mucous membrane (eyes, nose or mouth) and through the skin, especially if there is broken skin from a cut or scratch. If left undetected, your dog can shed the Lepto in their urine and contaminate soil and water that could put other animals or people at risk, too. 

The clinical signs can vary and are not specific for Leptospirosis.Some pets have no symptoms at all, but watch for:  excessive drinking, lethargy, fever, changes in urinating, vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss and potential jaundice.  If left untreated, it can cause kidney or liver failure and lead to death.

The Lepto vaccine does not cover all strains of Leptospirosis and, historically, has been associated with a higher risk reaction.

Your dog is a member of your family and you are their advocate.  Be familiar with what they can contract and how.  Familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of any vaccination.  Also, talk to your vet and be an informed pet owner.  Carry fresh water for your dogs and steer clear of standing water and puddles and enjoy your furry friend.
 

Poster Pup, Spring 2023

      
Almost unbelievable before and after photos of Tonka.

Tonka, a senior, emaciated (body score of 2/9), arthritic, anemic, and strongly heartworm-positive dog was accepted into A Pathway To Hope Rescue. How he got into the condition he was in is hard to imagine. At his advanced age, he should have been spoiled, living the good life; instead, he was 25 pounds underweight, and his coat was filthy and matted, hiding skin sores from urine burns and feces. Additionally, he suffered from ear infections, was painfully arthritic, and was in dire need of dental work.

Despite his desperate condition, he joyfully greeted people with a hopeful, happy spirit. He could not be treated for heartworm in such poor health, so he needed a full workup by a vet and x-rays of his chest. Tonka rolled over for belly rubs during the most uncomfortable parts of his exam. Soft food was on his menu until he was in better health. His grooming included a lot of shaving to remove the tight mats and feces.

Tonka endured all his treatments well and looks forward to healthy, happy remaining senior years. SOS-SRF was able to help Tonka, because of your donations and purchases!

On the Subject of Adopting a New Dog

Rules for Potential Dog Adopters

1 - Take a martingale collar with you when you go to view the dog. Even  if you are "just looking" you should already have your new dog’s "go home" gear! A harness is another great tool. Do not take your new dog “shopping,” take them straight home.

2 - Take a slip lead as well as a clip lead - double-leash your dog when leaving the shelter and every time you and your new dog go anywhere until they are confident and better acclimated to you and their new home.

3 - Consider a GPS device for your dog - they are worth their weight in gold.

4 - Do not leave your new dog unsupervised in the yard for any reason at all. Your new dog should be leashed at all times for at least for the first three weeks. Consider purchasing a long line to give them a little more freedom while keeping them safe.

5 - Hunker down and give your new dog time to acclimate. They do not want to meet the whole world. All newly adopted dogs should stay home with few visitors until they are fully acclimated and bonded to their new people. Don't force your new dog to meet your other pets all at once, right away either. and let the new dog chill in a crate so it can see, hear, and smell its new family members if it seems unsure or surly. Go slowly. Start with your best ambassador, This may take approximately 3 weeks, sometimes more. Slow and steady wins the race!

6 - Don’t say "I didn't know." It is your job to keep your dog safe – no one else’s. If you cannot do this, then please, do not get a dog.

7 - Realize that there are other humans invested in the outcome of your dog. Every time a newly adopted dog goes missing, the hearts of their former foster, volunteers, etc., are shattered, and they are worried sick. Now they may have to take time away from other dogs, their families, their jobs to attempt to find yours.

8 - Adoption is great, when it’s done with the dog’s best interest in mind. Be diligent and remember that they do not know you at all. Why would they have any interest in "staying at home" if they are given the option to escape.

Your newly adopted dog safety package should include:

- martingale collar with ID tag that shows your name, phone number and address.

- microchip. If the shelter or rescue didn't chip the dog, then make an appointment with your vet to get it done right away.

- harness - buy a couple of different sizes if you don’t know how big your new dog will be and donate the one(s) you don’t need to the shelter before you leave.

- slip lead and clip lead — use them both.

- GPS collar which you can purchase ahead of time then activate when you pick up your dog.

- long line for more freedom in the yard, which needs to be well fenced and escape-proof.

- crate and crate accessories to provide your new dog a place to "get away" and feel safe from all of the new stimulation they are experiencing.

Shelters, Rescues, please prepare, equip & educate your adopters before they walk out your doors.

This has been a Public Service Announcement from newly adopted dogs everywhere.

(With thanks to New Mexico Dogs -NMDogs.)