Certain types of wildlife have leptospirosis, a type of bacterial infection, and a dog can become infected through contact with such an animal’s urine. Wild animals that might carry leptospirosis include coyotes and skunks as well as raccoons. If a dog plays in standing water in areas that contain these animals, the dog could contract leptospirosis.
Certain infected dogs develop leptospirosis symptoms sooner than others. Indicators of the disease might include the dog being more thirsty than usual, having a fever, or not eating as much as is typical. Over time, unaddressed leptospirosis can cause the dog to develop liver damage and other serious problems. While treatment is available, there is also a vaccine. Therefore, veterinarians recommend that dog owners take a proactive stance against leptospirosis and vaccinate their dogs for the disease.