Pet Insurers, RSPCA warn dog owners of harmful bacterial disease found in puddles

Animal experts have put out an urgent warning about a particularly harmful bacterial disease that dogs can catch from ponds and puddles.

Animal experts have put out an urgent warning about a particularly harmful bacterial disease that dogs can catch from ponds and puddles.

Australia’s east coast has experienced some of its wettest months on record, amplifying the risk of dogs catching leptospirosis, which can cause severe health complications in both humans and dogs.

The disease, which is commonly caught from puddles containing rodent urine, can induce fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and shivering.

Pet Insurance Australia said it had received some claims for up to $3000 to treat the disease in the past year.

“We strongly advise dog owners, particularly those in rain-affected areas around Australia to seek this vaccination from their local veterinarian,” spokesperson Nadia Crighton said.

“This is certainly becoming a big problem and pet owners do need to be vigilant in keeping their pets safe.”

Dr Andrew Cornwell of the Cardiff Veterinary Hospital last month warned a positive case had been confirmed in the Hunter Region.

“We’re fortunate enough in this country to have a vaccine available to help protect animals,” Cornwell told 7NEWS.

“Puppies can have their first dose of the vaccine at six weeks and a second at nine weeks, while adult dogs can receive a yearly booster shot.”

The disease, which is commonly caught from puddles containing rodent urine, can induce fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and shivering.

Pet Insurance Australia said it had received some claims for up to $3000 to treat the disease in the past year.

Chief Veterinarian at the RSPCA Dr Liz Arnott said it is difficult to tell if your pet has been exposed to the harmful disease until symptoms emerge.

“Anywhere where a rat may have urinated is a possible exposure site for the disease, this includes places like communal drinking water and puddles, so it is a good idea to replace drinking water often to be sure,” she said.

“But unfortunately, it is hard to know if your dog has been exposed to the bacteria until they are unwell.

“One of the first signs of exposure is lethargy. Other common symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea, as well as loss of appetite.

“If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate veterinary attention.”

Dr Arnott encouraged pet owners to get their dogs vaccinated as soon as possible.

“General advice on vaccinations is to consider the individual risk with your veterinarian,” she said.

“We don’t normally vaccinate just for vaccines’ sake, but where there’s a geographic risk of exposure or a lifestyle where there’s a risk then you should definitely speak to your vet about vaccination.”