🐾 Leptospirosis & Coronavirus Vaccination for Dogs
Protecting Northern Beaches dogs from two serious diseases
At Pittwater Animal Hospital, we strongly recommend vaccination against Leptospirosis and Canine Coronavirus for all dogs on the Northern Beaches. Both are serious diseases that can spread quickly and make dogs very unwell.
We began routinely vaccinating against Leptospirosis in June 2021, after a local dog sadly died from the disease. That case confirmed that Leptospirosis is present in our area, spread by rats and mice. Since then, further cases have been reported across Sydney.
⚠️ Why Vaccination Matters
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Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria spread through rat and mouse urine. It thrives in wet soil, puddles, and undergrowth. Once infected, dogs often go into kidney and liver failure. Despite intensive care, most dogs die.
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Coronavirus (not COVID-19) is a diarrhoea virus common in our area, especially in puppies. It spreads rapidly and can cause severe illness.
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Zoonotic risk: Leptospirosis can also infect people through contact with contaminated urine, putting families at risk.
💉 Vaccination Protocol at PAH
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Two doses are required for full protection:
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First dose – given with your dog’s regular vaccinations or as a separate visit.
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Booster – 2–4 weeks later at a reduced charge.
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After this, dogs receive annual boosters to stay protected.
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Most puppies vaccinated at PAH since mid-2021 already have this included in their schedule.
🧾 Why We Haven’t Switched to the New Vaccine
A newer Leptospirosis vaccine covering an additional serovar (strain) has been released. After careful review, we have chosen not to change at this stage. Here’s why:
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Switching would mean every dog needs a fresh 2-dose course, even those already vaccinated.
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The new vaccine does not protect against Coronavirus, a disease we frequently see locally.
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We believe our current vaccine provides broader and more practical protection for Northern Beaches dogs.
Our vets continue to monitor research and case reports, and we will always choose the vaccine that best protects our community’s pets.
📍 Local Risk Areas
The first confirmed Northern Beaches case was a dog walked around Narrabeen and Elanora. Wet areas and bushland are considered highest risk. Until fully vaccinated, keep your dog away from puddles, wet soil, and rodent-prone zones.
👩⚕️ Safety and Effectiveness
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The vaccine we use has a long history of safe use in Queensland and overseas.
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Side effects are rare and similar to other routine vaccinations.
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Dogs are fully protected 10–14 days after their second dose.
🐾 What to Watch For
If your dog is unvaccinated, call us immediately if you notice:
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Vomiting or diarrhoea
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Lethargy or loss of appetite
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Jaundice (yellow gums or eyes)
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Sudden kidney or liver changes on bloodwork
Early diagnosis is difficult, so prevention by vaccination remains the best protection.
📞 Book a Vaccination
To protect your dog against Leptospirosis and Coronavirus:
Make an Appointment with the Vet →
Call us on 9913 7979
Or email reception@pittvets.au
✅ With timely vaccination, you can keep your dog safe, protect your family, and reduce the risk of future outbreaks in our area.
I live on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Should I have my dog vaccinated against leptospirosis?
Yes. Pittwater Animal Hospital began vaccinating all dogs in June 2021 after a local dog, who had not left the area, died from leptospirosis. More cases have since been reported in Sydney.
Leptospirosis is very hard to diagnose early — most dogs aren’t identified until they are already in kidney or liver failure, at which point treatment is often unsuccessful.
Because leptospirosis can also spread to humans, vaccination is the safest way to protect both your pet and your family.
How is the vaccine given?
Two injections are required initially, 2–4 weeks apart. After this, only one annual booster is needed.
– First dose: can be given with your dog’s regular vaccinations or separately.
– Booster dose: smaller charge, given 2–4 weeks later.
Dogs are fully protected 10–14 days after the **second** injection.
Why has PAH not switched to the new leptospirosis vaccine?
A new vaccine covering an additional strain (serovar) of leptospirosis is now available. We have carefully reviewed it and chosen not to switch at this stage.
Here’s why:
– All dogs would need to restart with a full two-dose course, even if they had already been vaccinated.
– The new vaccine does not protect against canine coronavirus, which is a frequent cause of severe diarrhoea in our area.
– We believe the current vaccine gives broader, more practical protection for Northern Beaches dogs.
We continue to monitor developments and will adjust if a better option becomes available.
Is my dog already vaccinated against leptospirosis?
If your dog was vaccinated at Pittwater Animal Hospital from June 2021 onwards, they have already been recommended the upgraded leptospirosis vaccine.
Other dogs likely to be covered include:
– Dogs from Queensland or overseas (where this vaccine is routine)
– Puppies started at PAH since mid-2021
How does my dog catch leptospirosis?
The bacteria are carried by rats and mice and passed out in their urine. Dogs are exposed when sniffing or licking contaminated soil, puddles, or undergrowth.
Until your dog is fully vaccinated, keep them on lead in high-risk areas, and avoid stagnant water or bushland where rodents may be present.
Can my family catch leptospirosis?
Yes. Leptospirosis can spread from dogs to humans through urine. It can cause very serious illness in people. Good hand hygiene after handling your dog, especially if they’ve been outside in risk areas, is important.
Is the vaccination safe?
Yes. The vaccine we use has been widely used in Queensland and overseas for many years. It has a safety profile similar to other routine vaccines. Side effects are rare and usually mild.
What signs should I look out for in an unvaccinated dog?
Early signs can be vague — vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, or general lethargy.
As the disease progresses, dogs may develop:
– Shivering and weakness
– Jaundice (yellow gums/eyes)
– Kidney or liver failure
– Collapse
If your dog is unwell and not vaccinated, contact us immediately.
Do we expect more cases in the Northern Beaches?
Yes. Other Sydney outbreaks began with isolated cases and developed into clusters. Rodent numbers and wet weather make further cases more likely. That’s why we strongly recommend vaccination.
