Protect Your Pets Year-Round: The Real Risk of Leptospirosis

As summer winds down and we gear up for fall, it's the perfect time for trail hikes, puddle splashing, and neighborhood strolls with our four-legged friends. But did you know that these outdoor activities can expose your dog to serious health risks? Here with the scoop on how to protect your dog through all seasons is Veterinarian and Merck Animal Health Partner, Dr. Natalie Marks. Dr. Marks says one of her main concerns that many dog owners don't know about is Leptospirosis - or 'Lepto'- which is an infectious bacteria that can cause serious illness in dogs, other animals, and even people since it can be transmitted between animals and humans. It's spread through contact with the urine of infected animals - including rodents, livestock, and pets - or contaminated environments like water or soil. Many dog owners are surprised to learn that the spread of Lepto can happen even during a simple walk around the block. And while some dogs may not show signs of Lepto, others could develop mild or severe illness - including vomiting, lethargy, or even chronic kidney failure. The best way to protect your dog is through annual vaccination. She recommends talking to your vet about NOBIVAC(R) Lepto4 and NOBIVAC EDGE(R) Lepto4. They're the first and only vaccines demonstrated to be 100% effective against mortality and urinary shedding from all four leptospirosis serovars - a key transmission risk for dogs exposed to infected animal urine. That means these vaccines not only protect your dog from getting ill, but you also reduce the chance of you or your family being exposed to Leptospirosis. Because Lepto is found across the U.S. and not just in wet climates, the American Animal Hospital Association now classifies it as a core vaccine for all dogs, regardless of where they live. When it comes to core vaccines for dogs, Dr. Marks highly recommends the NOBIVAC(R) line of vaccines. This includes their DAPPv, which protects against distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus - three of the four core diseases. There's also NOBIVAC(R) EDGE™ DAPPv, which is a lower-volume option in the same family, designed for more comfortable administration, especially in small dogs. These vaccines also protect against parainfluenza, which is also very contagious. The two other NOBIVAC(R) vaccines she recommends are the 3-year rabies vaccine, covering the fourth core disease - rabies - and she always suggests vaccinating for leptospirosis. Both are essential for protecting both pets and people. As we soak up the last weeks of summer, here are some other seasonal concerns we should be aware of. Heat in general is a big concern, especially hot pavement and sidewalks, as well as excessive periods of exercise at dog parks. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws. Stick to grassy areas and opt for morning or evening walks when it's cooler, if possible. Make sure to keep your pet hydrated and never leave them in a parked car, even for a few minutes. The temperature inside can skyrocket in seconds, and it can quickly become life-threatening. Lastly, don't forget about parasites! Fleas and ticks are out in full force during this time of year. Make sure your dog is up to date on their flea and tick treatment, like BRAVECTO. Make sure to talk to your veterinarian about NOBIVAC(R) Lepto4, NOBIVAC EDGE(R) Lepto4, and the importance of yearly vaccination. To learn more about Leptospirosis and how to keep your pets and family safe, visit stoplepto.com .