Leptospirosis cases rise among dogs in Finland raising alarms for pet owners

Leptospirosis cases in dogs are on the rise in Finland, raising concerns among pet owners. This autumn has seen a notable increase in reported cases, with the disease now appearing domestically rather than exclusively imported from abroad. A seventh case was confirmed this week at a veterinary clinic in Hamina, whereas in previous years, Finland typically recorded just one to three cases annually.

Untreated, serious leptospira infections can be fatal for dogs, but confirmed cases can be effectively treated with antibiotics. Pet owners, like Sari Saarinen from Hamina, are now being more vigilant when taking their dogs outside. “I have my brother’s dog with me, and I try to prevent it from drinking from puddles,” she said.

The Finnish Food Authority lists common symptoms of leptospirosis in dogs as fever, lethargy, fatigue, loss of appetite, excessive thirst and urination, as well as vomiting and diarrhea. Some dogs may also be asymptomatic.

Vaccination against leptospirosis has traditionally been recommended in Finland for dogs traveling to warmer countries. Sari Saarinen recently vaccinated her dog Helmi as a precaution prior to a planned trip to Spain, which was ultimately canceled. “At least now we’re protected,” she remarked.

Others, like Minttu Simola, are considering the vaccination for their pets but want to assess any potential side effects. “If the disease can be prevented with a vaccine, I believe it’s better to get vaccinated than to face the illness,” Simola stated.

Although the vaccine protects vaccinated dogs, it does not prevent the carriage and spread of the leptospira bacterium. There have been disruptions in vaccine availability recently, and the Finnish Food Authority is not currently recommending routine vaccination against the disease.