Jul 3, 2009 5:56 pm US/Eastern
Dog Owners Beware: Shared Water Presents Dangers
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Two puppies in Brooklyn are dead after a trip to their local dog run. It's believed that they died after drinking water contaminated by rat urine.
"There's always a risk, no matter where you bring your dog," dog owner Hannah Moorhead says. "I just do my best to keep an eye on her."
Moorhead is watching every move of her dog, Iggy, after hearing two puppies who frequent her Williamsburg neighborhood dog run died from a disease called leptospirosis.
"It's really scary," she says.
Leptospirosis is a rare, but fast-moving, disease that thrives in mud and standing water and is spread through the urine of infected animals. Rodents are common carriers, and may have contaminated water in the dog run.
The veterinarian for the two dogs who died believes the puppies contracted the disease after drinking from a community water bowl in McCarren Park. After the heavy rains in the area, though, there is plenty of standing water – the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
"It's actually more common in rural areas, just because there are animals that are out there and also more bodies of water," Dr. Benjamin Davidson, of NYC Veterinary Specialists, says. "In the city, we see it occasionally, but it can be devastating when it happens. The dogs can get very ill, and obviously some dogs will die from the disease."
Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory problems. Leptospirosis can be treated with antibiotics and intensive veterinary care, and can be prevented with a vaccine and a watchful eye.
Matt DeMazza was keeping his dog, Bunker, close by and turned over the communal bowls to protect everyone's pets.
"We're just taking no chances now," DeMazza says. "We're bringing our own water now."
"Dogs will drink whenever they're thirsty, so you've got be careful what they pick up too," dog owner Maura Kearney says.
That's always a good precaution, since the disease can easily be spread from pet to pet and even to humans.
Pet owners will have to consult their veterinarian about getting the leptospirosis vaccine for their pets, because it is not part of the basic vaccine protocol.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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