Lepto Vaccine & Dachshunds: What You Need to Know

If you’re a doxie parent, you already know these little sausages are special in every way- their stubborn personalities, cute little waddle, and yes, even their unique health concerns. But when it comes to vaccinating against Leptospirosis (Lepto), you might want to hit the pause button and discuss it with your vet before automatically saying "yes".

The Lepto vaccine (which can be an individual shot or it can be found in combo shots of 7-in-1 or higher) is meant to protect dogs from a potentially deadly bacterial infection. However, it is also notorious for causing serious vaccine reactions, especially in certain breeds with a predisposition for allergies, like Dachshunds. So, let’s talk about why this particular vaccine can be risky and what you need to consider before giving it to your doxie.

What is Leptospirosis and why is there a vaccine?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that spreads through contaminated water, soil, and wild animal urine (think puddles, lakes, or ponds). If a dog gets infected, it can cause kidney and liver failure, fever, vomiting, and even death. Sounds scary, right? That’s why there’s a vaccine.

But—not all dogs are at high risk, and not all vaccines are one-size-fits-all.

What can happen to my pooch if I get him/her the Lepto vaccine?

Some breeds, especially dachshunds, statistically react more to the Lepto vaccines than a lot of other dogs, leading to allergic reactions. 

Many dogs experience mild vaccine reactions like soreness or fatigue, but doxies are at a higher risk for more severe issues including:

• Facial swelling (especially around the eyes and muzzle)
• Hives or intense itching
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Lethargy or extreme fatigue

More severe allergic reactions can lead to anaphylactic shock and can even lead to death. I recently had a puppy parent contact me because of a reaction her pooch had to the Lepto vaccine. My grand puppy began vomiting shortly after leaving the vet's office. Luckily, her owner was able to get her back to the vet quickly and get a Benadryl IV administered to help combat the reaction and her doxie was back to normal within a couple of hours. 

So, does my dog need the Lepto vaccine, or not?

Ask yourself these questions before making a decision: 

• Does your Dachshund regularly play in puddles, ponds, or lakes?
• Do they frequently interact with farm animals or wildlife?
• Is Lepto common in your area? (Some regions have an increased risk than others.)

If you answered no to these, your pup may not need the vaccine at all. If you answered yes, make sure to pretreat your dog with antihistamines before their vet appointment to lower chances of a reaction. 

Every dog is different, so talk to your vet before making a decision. At the end of the day, your goal is to keep your little wiener healthy and safe, whether that means skipping the Lepto shot or just taking extra precautions before getting the vax. 

If your dog has ever had negative experiences with the Lepto shot, or if you know others that have, share your experience below and let us know!