PupkeeperCaution
Stagnant water (leptospirosis) and dogs: what to do
Caution. Puddles, ponds and slow-moving water can carry leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that can cause kidney and liver failure.
Stagnant water (leptospirosis) and dogs: key facts
- Verdict
- Caution · Watch at home
- What it can do
- Fever, low energy and loss of appetite, muscle or joint pain, eye and nose discharge and changes in urination. All 7
- How fast
- Usually 4-12 days after exposure
- What to do now
- Stop your dog drinking from puddles, ponds or stagnant water. All steps
- Sources
- CDC, VCA Animal Hospitals. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
What to do now
- Stop your dog drinking from puddles, ponds or stagnant water.
- Watch for fever, low energy, vomiting or yellow eyes for the next 2 weeks.
- Call your vet right away if any signs appear.
- Ask your vet about the leptospirosis vaccine.
Symptoms to watch for
- Fever
- Low energy and loss of appetite
- Muscle or joint pain
- Eye and nose discharge
- Changes in urination
- Vomiting and dehydration
- Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)
When signs appear: Usually 4-12 days after exposure
Why
Leptospirosis bacteria spread in the urine of infected animals, such as rodents, and get into water. Dogs often catch it by drinking slow-moving or stagnant water.
Sources
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.