Leptospirosis in dogs is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira , which are spiral-shaped bacteria that thrive in moist environments such as water, soil, and mud

. Dogs become infected primarily through contact with the urine of infected animals, which contaminates the environment including puddles, streams, vegetation, and soil

. The bacteria can enter a dog’s body through broken skin, mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth), or ingestion of contaminated water or food

. The disease can affect multiple organs, especially the kidneys and liver, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, weakness, dehydration, increased thirst and urination, and in severe cases, bleeding into the lungs or organ failure

. The incubation period is usually 4 to 12 days after exposure

. Leptospirosis can range from mild to severe and can be fatal if untreated

. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and laboratory tests detecting the bacteria or antibodies

. Treatment involves antibiotics, typically doxycycline, and supportive care to manage organ damage

. Prevention is mainly through vaccination, which protects against the most common strains of Leptospira affecting dogs. Avoiding exposure to stagnant water and limiting contact with wildlife and rodents also reduces risk

. Leptospirosis is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from dogs to humans, so precautions should be taken to avoid contact with infected urine

. In summary, leptospirosis in dogs is a serious bacterial infection acquired from contaminated environments, causing potentially severe illness primarily affecting kidneys and liver, preventable by vaccination and environmental management