{"id":155,"date":"2026-02-25T16:37:35","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T16:37:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/?p=155"},"modified":"2026-02-25T16:37:35","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T16:37:35","slug":"leptospirosis-alert-in-berkeley-what-every-pet-owner-needs-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/2026\/02\/25\/leptospirosis-alert-in-berkeley-what-every-pet-owner-needs-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Leptospirosis Alert in Berkeley: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>You may have already heard on the news that local health officials have reported a <strong>leptospirosis outbreak near the Harrison Street corridor in Berkeley<\/strong>, where numerous infected rats have been identified and at least two dogs have tested positive. This is an important reminder for Bay Area pet owners to stay vigilant and proactive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At <strong>MedranoVets<\/strong>, your pet\u2019s health and safety are our top priorities. Here\u2019s everything you need to know about leptospirosis \u2014 from first symptoms to treatment and prevention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ratio3x2_960-1.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-166\" srcset=\"https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ratio3x2_960-1.webp 960w, https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ratio3x2_960-1-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ratio3x2_960-1-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A view of leptospira bacteria, spiral-shaped microorganisms that are responsible for the leptospirosis infection. Photography by quantic69\/Getty Images\/SF GAte<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Is Leptospirosis?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Leptospirosis (often called \u201clepto\u201d) is a serious <strong>bacterial infection<\/strong> that affects dogs and can also spread to humans (zoonotic disease).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is transmitted through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Contaminated water (puddles, lakes, stagnant water)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wet soil or mud<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wildlife urine (rats, raccoons, deer, coyotes, and other mammals)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contact with infected dog urine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u26a0\ufe0f Dogs do NOT need to swim in lakes to be exposed \u2014 even sniffing or walking through contaminated puddles can pose a risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"816\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Berkeley-Lepto-816x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-158\" srcset=\"https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Berkeley-Lepto-816x1024.png 816w, https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Berkeley-Lepto-239x300.png 239w, https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Berkeley-Lepto-768x963.png 768w, https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Berkeley-Lepto.png 952w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 816px) 100vw, 816px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A golden retriever puppy lies in a muddy puddle. Photography by Getty Images\/SF Gate<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why Is Berkeley at Risk Right Now?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Health officials have identified:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cNumerous\u201d infected rodents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At least two confirmed canine cases<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased risk near encampments and high rodent areas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Urban environments \u2014 including neighborhoods, parks and sidewalks \u2014 can harbor the bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sfgate.com\/bayarea\/article\/berkeley-dangerous-bacterial-disease-21299405.php\">https:\/\/www.sfgate.com\/bayarea\/article\/berkeley-dangerous-bacterial-disease-21299405.php<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/abc7news.com\/post\/bubbas-story-health-officials-warn-leptospirosis-highly-contagious-deadly-bacterial-disease-affecting-dogs-people\/18580688\">https:\/\/abc7news.com\/post\/bubbas-story-health-officials-warn-leptospirosis-highly-contagious-deadly-bacterial-disease-affecting-dogs-people\/18580688<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Are the First Clinical Symptoms of Leptospirosis?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Early detection is critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Early Symptoms (First 3\u20137 Days):<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fever<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lethargy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vomiting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loss of appetite<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Muscle tenderness or stiffness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Progressive Symptoms:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Increased thirst<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased urination<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Abdominal pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jaundice (yellowing of eyes or gums)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Diarrhea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dehydration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In severe cases, leptospirosis can cause <strong>kidney failure or liver damage<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83c\udfa5 Watch early warning signs here:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DUq-DOqkSht\/?igsh=aW14cmlobDM5dDZo\">https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DUq-DOqkSht\/?igsh=aW14cmlobDM5dDZo<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>When Should You Call a Vet?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Call your veterinarian immediately if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your dog has sudden lethargy or vomiting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They were recently exposed to puddles, wildlife areas, or rodent-prone zones<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They are drinking or urinating excessively<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You notice yellowing of the eyes or gums<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udea8 Leptospirosis progresses quickly. Early treatment significantly improves survival rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re in the Berkeley area and concerned, contact <strong>MedranoVets<\/strong> right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_8723-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-162\" srcset=\"https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_8723-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_8723-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_8723-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_8723.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Veterinary technician Jazmynne and Dr. Medrano with Juno in San Francisco. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Is Leptospirosis Treated?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Treatment depends on severity but may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Immediate hospitalization<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IV fluids for kidney support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Antibiotics (such as doxycycline or penicillin derivatives)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anti-nausea medication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pain management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monitoring of kidney and liver function<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Early treatment can be life-saving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs who recover may still require follow-up testing to ensure kidney and liver function return to normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Preventative Care: The Leptospirosis Vaccine<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The BEST protection against leptospirosis is vaccination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Important Updates:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The leptospirosis vaccine is now considered <strong>core<\/strong> in our region.<br>Recommended for ALL dogs \u2014 including small and toy breeds.<br>Requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Initial series (2 vaccines, 2\u20134 weeks apart)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Annual booster every 12 months<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>If your dog\u2019s vaccine was given more than 12 months ago, they are NOT fully protected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Additional Prevention Tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do not allow dogs to drink from puddles or unknown water sources (including public hydration stations)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid stagnant water and muddy areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep food sealed to discourage rodents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Secure trash bins<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Schedule annual wellness exams<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Marley-in-Tahoe-Photo-by-Dr.-Medrano-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-174\" srcset=\"https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Marley-in-Tahoe-Photo-by-Dr.-Medrano-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Marley-in-Tahoe-Photo-by-Dr.-Medrano-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Marley-in-Tahoe-Photo-by-Dr.-Medrano-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Marley-in-Tahoe-Photo-by-Dr.-Medrano-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Marley playing in a stream in Lake Tahoe. Photograph by Dr. Marcia Medrano.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why Early Vaccination Matters<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs that are vaccinated:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Have significantly lower infection risk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Experience milder symptoms if exposed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are less likely to spread infection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Because leptospirosis can spread to humans, vaccination protects your entire household.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can indoor dogs get leptospirosis?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, urban rodent exposure makes even indoor dogs vulnerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is it contagious between dogs?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, infected dogs can shed bacteria in their urine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is it treatable? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes,&nbsp;especially when caught early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Can other pets like cats get leptospirosis?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, cats can get leptospirosis, although it is considered rare compared to dogs. It can be contracted by outdoor cats hunting rodents or drinking contaminated water. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, vomiting and kidney issues. There is currently no vaccine available for cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Lab-puppy-Torta-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-171\" srcset=\"https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Lab-puppy-Torta-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Lab-puppy-Torta-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Lab-puppy-Torta-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Lab-puppy-Torta.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Torta playing with hose water. Photograph by Dr. Medrano.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What To Do Now<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you live near Berkeley \u2014 especially near the Harrison Street corridor \u2014 we strongly recommend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Confirm your dog\u2019s lepto vaccine is current (within 12 months)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Schedule vaccination if overdue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monitor closely for symptoms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contact <strong>MedranoVets <\/strong>with any concerns<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udccd Serving Berkeley and surrounding communities<br>\ud83d\udcde Text us today to schedule a wellness exam and vaccine 1-415-506-8387<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Leptospirosis is preventable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With vaccination, early recognition, and prompt treatment, we can protect our pets \u2014 and our families \u2014 from this serious infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have questions about your dog\u2019s risk or vaccination status, reach out to <strong>MedranoVets<\/strong>. We\u2019re here to help keep your pets safe and healthy all year long.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You may have already heard on the news that local health officials have reported a leptospirosis outbreak near the Harrison Street corridor in Berkeley, where numerous infected rats have been identified and at least two dogs have tested positive. This is an important reminder for Bay Area pet owners to stay vigilant and proactive. At [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":174,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[28,6,15,13,29,30,8,12,32,14,9,33,34,20,7,31],"class_list":["post-155","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-berkeley","tag-blog","tag-dogs","tag-house-call-veterinarian","tag-lepto","tag-leptospirosis","tag-medranovets","tag-mobile-vet","tag-outbreak","tag-pet-health","tag-petcare","tag-public-health","tag-public-health-alert","tag-veterinary-blog","tag-wellness","tag-zoonotic-disease"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/155","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=155"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/155\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":176,"href":"https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/155\/revisions\/176"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/174"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=155"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=155"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medranovets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=155"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}