Sydney’s wild weather has been making headlines, but while we’re busy mopping up the house and watching the news, another urgent threat is flying under the radar—one that could put our beloved pets in danger.
If you’re a pet owner anywhere in Australia prone to heavy rain and flooding, it’s time to take a closer look at the risks that come with all this wet weather, especially the rise in a potentially deadly disease called leptospirosis, as well as a host of other flood-related hazards.
Leptospirosis might sound like something out of a medical drama, but it’s a growing threat for our furry friends, especially after heavy rain.
This nasty bacterial infection is spread through the urine of rodents, particularly rats, and it thrives in stagnant water. That means every puddle, pond, or patch of floodwater could be a potential danger zone for your dog.
Dogs can contract leptospirosis simply by walking through or drinking from contaminated water.
And with Sydney’s recent downpours, these contaminated puddles are everywhere. Even a quick slurp from a gutter or a playful splash in a flooded park can be enough to put your pet at risk.
Leptospirosis isn’t just another bug. It can cause severe illness in dogs, including kidney and liver failure, and it can be fatal if not treated quickly.
The symptoms can be vague and easily mistaken for other illnesses, like fever, vomiting, lethargy, muscle pain, and loss of appetite.
If your dog has been anywhere near floodwater and starts acting off, don’t wait—get them to the vet and mention the possibility of leptospirosis.
If your dog shows any of the following symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately:
- Fever or shivering
- Muscle pain or stiffness
- Lethargy or weakness
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Increased thirst or urination
- Difficulty breathing
- Dark red gums or nasal discharge
Remember, early treatment can save lives, but only if you act fast and tell your vet about any possible exposure to floodwater.
The good news? There’s a safe and effective vaccine for leptospirosis. If you live in a high-risk area or your dog is likely to come into contact with floodwater, talk to your vet about vaccinating your pet as soon as possible.
It’s not just leptospirosis you need to worry about. Floodwaters can hide all sorts of dangers for pets:
- Fast-moving water: Even shallow currents can sweep pets away in seconds.
- Overflowing drains and pipes: These can create deadly, hidden currents for curious animals.
- Sharp debris and contaminants: Flood zones are often littered with broken glass, metal, and other hazards.
- Electrical and chemical dangers: Floods can wash toxic substances and even live electrical wires into public areas.
Top tips to keep your pets safe during floods
- Keep dogs on a lead, especially near water, creeks, and parks.
- Avoid flooded areas—don’t let your pets play or drink from puddles, gutters, or temporary ponds.
- Secure your home and yard by removing food scraps and rubbish that could attract rats.
- Call a pest control professional if you suspect a rodent problem—don’t wait for it to worsen.
- Stick to on-lead walks until the weather improves and the ground dries out.
- Talk to your vet about leptospirosis vaccination and other preventative measures.
We know it’s a lot to take in, especially when you’re already dealing with the chaos of wild weather. But extra caution now can make all the difference for your furry friends.
Have you had any close calls with your pets during storms or floods? Do you have tips for keeping animals safe in wild weather? Share your stories and advice in the comments below.
Also read: Is your pet at risk? Expert pushes back after viral video spreads deadly advice
