Serious bacterial infection found in unvaccinated dog

Thursday, 24 September 2026 18:34

By Harry Booth

An unvaccinated dog in Jersey has contracted a serious bacterial infection that is spread by urine.

New Era Vets says leptospirosis is serious, and can be fatal.

Contamination occurs from rats, and areas rate urinate, including bin areas, water, soil, and dogs sniffing or licking contaminated dogs' urine.

Symptoms vary, but include:

Jaundice (yellow gums and eyes)
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Lethargy
Reduced appetite
Increased thirst
Increased weeing
Difficulty breathing or faster breathing
Weight loss
Coughing

It's also a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread to humans.

The veterinary hospital is urging dog owners to make sure annual vaccinations are up to date to minimise risk, and to get in contact if their dog is unwell.

Four strains of leptospirosis are included in annual vaccination, which New Era says 'drastically reduces' the risk.

More information on leptospirosis can be found here.

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