Yes, veterinarians increasingly recommend the leptospirosis (Lepto) vaccine for dogs, often considering it a "core" or highly recommended non-core vaccine due to its prevalence and severity. It is strongly advised for dogs with exposure to wildlife, rural areas, or standing water, as the disease can cause fatal kidney/liver failure and spread to humans.

Is the lepto vaccine being recalled?

There has been a voluntary recall by the manufacturer of a vaccine used to protect dogs against the bacterial disease leptospirosis. One dog has died and seven others have had "adverse reactions" within hours of receiving the Treidlia Auslepto vaccine.

What are the side effects of the Librela shot?

Common side effects may include lethargy, mild gastrointestinal issues, or localized reactions at the injection site. In rare cases, more serious side effects, such as hypersensitivity reactions, have been observed.

Can dogs get lepto from grass?

Yes, dogs can get Leptospirosis (Lepto) from eating or licking grass, dirt, or puddles contaminated with the urine of infected wild animals like rats, raccoons, or deer, as the bacteria live in moist environments and spread through urine. Contact with contaminated water, soil, or even licking contaminated paws after walking outside are common infection routes, making vaccination a key prevention strategy against this serious, potentially fatal bacterial disease.
 

What state has the most leptospirosis?

In the United States, 100-200 cases of leptospirosis are identified annually, with about 50% of the cases occurring in Hawaii.

Major Changes to Dog Vaccines in 2025: Dr. Jones' Take on NECESSARY Leptospirosis Vaccine

How to avoid lepto in dogs?

How can I protect my dog against leptospirosis?

1. Avoid letting your dog drink from or swim in rivers, lakes, ponds, marshy areas, or slow-moving or stagnant water.
2. Keep your dog away from farm animals and wild rodents, including carcasses.

Can the Lepto vaccine make my dog sick?

Yes, it's true: the lepto vaccine can cause more reactions than other common vaccines — especially in small breed dogs. But it's important to understand the full picture. Most reactions are mild and short-lived: slight soreness, tiredness, or a low-grade fever.

Which dog vaccines are absolutely necessary?

Absolutely necessary dog vaccines (core vaccines) protect against deadly, common diseases and include Rabies, Canine Distemper (D), Adenovirus (Hepatitis - H), Parainfluenza (P), and Parvovirus (P), often combined as DHPP or DAPP, plus Leptospirosis, depending on location/risk. These are essential for all dogs due to the severity and prevalence of these illnesses, with Rabies often legally required.

Is Lepto mandatory?

While the leptospirosis vaccine is not currently a required immunization for dogs, it is highly recommended for any dog that commonly goes outside, even just to go to the bathroom in the backyard.

What is the problem with Librela?

Adverse events identified and reviewed for Librela include neurological signs, such as ataxia, seizures, paresis, and recumbency. Other clinical signs include urinary incontinence, excessive thirst, and urination. In some cases, death, including euthanasia, was reported as an outcome.

Which dog vaccines have the most side effects?

The vaccines that are most likely to cause side effects include: Rabies vaccine: This vaccine is required by law in most areas, but it can cause a variety of side effects, including lethargy, soreness at the injection site, and fever.

Which vaccines have the worst side effects?

MMR vaccine side effects (measles, mumps, and rubella)

These can include seizures (often associated with fever) or temporary low platelet count that can cause unusual bleeding or bruising. In people with serious immune system problems, this vaccine may cause an infection that may be life-threatening.

What vaccines will no longer be available?

Due to changes starting in October of last year, there are now six vaccines no longer recommended for routine use by all children in the United States: rotavirus, COVID-19, influenza, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and meningococcal vaccines.

What is the 3 2 1 rule for vaccines?

The "3-2-1" rule is a guideline for monitoring lumps at feline vaccination sites, indicating a lump needs veterinary investigation if it's still present 3 months after vaccination, is larger than 2 cm, or is growing larger 1 month after appearing. This rule helps identify potentially dangerous injection-site sarcomas, rare tumors that can develop in cats, prompting biopsies for suspicious masses. 

Do unvaccinated kids get sick more often?

In the largest study in children and adolescents so far none of the often anticipated health differences—such as allergies and the number of infections—were observed in vaccinated and unvaccinated subjects aged 1–17 years.

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