The rat bite in dogs is a cause for concern, as it puts the health of the animal and the whole family at risk. Rats are carriers of several diseases and the most famous is leptospirosis, a serious zoonosis. Its contagion occurs in several ways and one of them is through the rodent's bite - that's why it's so important to be alert. As prevention is always better than cure, learn how to prevent it.prevent rat bite in dog, what to do when dog suffers a rodent attack and symptoms of leptospirosis to watch out for.

A rat bit my dog, what now?

After the rat bite in a dog, symptoms such as fever and apathy manifest themselves and they indicate a picture of canine leptospirosis. At such times, the only way out is to immediately run to the veterinarian with the pet isolated in a transport box, as this is a contagious and fatal disease. Therapy and medicine for rat bite in a dog are administered by a veterinarian and all care is usually taken.The diagnosis of canine leptospirosis is serological, where tests analyze the dog's blood and urine.

This disease is caused by Leptospira, a bacterium present in rats, which affects the functioning of the kidneys and liver, putting everyone's health at risk (not just the animal). It turns out that leptospirosis is a zoonosis, and only skin contact with rat urine already results in contagion. That is, humans and animals are possible victims and the saliva of a bite is another form of proliferation.

Rat bites dog: how to prevent this attack

It is more common to hear the guardian say "my dog bit a rat", but the opposite can also happen! Dogs are great hunters and have a great predatory instinct, but rodents are fast and attack when you least expect it. So, it is always good to prevent.

Rainy and flooding seasons are the most dangerous and taking care of your dog during stormy periods is essential to avoid a rat bite in your dog. Unfortunately the rate of leptospirosis is higher during the summer, due to heavy rains, and the dogs most affected are those living in backyards. If you raise your dog outside, be smart and take the following steps:

• Keep your yard clean, as a dirty environment attracts rats.
• Don't forget to sanitize drinking and feeding troughs, saving any leftover food in the bowl.
• Have your dog vaccinated up to date, this prevents numerous diseases. V10 is an immunization that protects against leptospirosis.
• Do not leave the dog in the rain, they suffer from it and can get sick.
• Do not instigate hunting behavior, especially of rodents, among other insects.
• The animal must also have a hygiene routine: learn how to bathe a dog.

Rat bite symptoms in dogs are severe and can be fatal

Urban rats are transmitters of serious diseases to animals and humans. The most common zoonosis is Leptospirosis, an infection so dangerous that the chance of death is 40%. Even if the animal or human recovers from the condition, it can develop sequelae, especially kidney disease, as this is a bacterium that affects the kidneys and liver. In the case of a rat-bitten dog, symptoms of theleptospirosis are:

• Dark urine
• Yellowish mucous membranes
• Apathy
• Fever
• Vomit
• Diarrhea
• Wounds
• Lack of appetite

But it is important to point out that not every dog has a rapid development of the infection, some symptoms may take time and the disease may not develop completely, but it is still harmful to the dog. Therefore, if you suspect that a rat has bitten the dog, be sure to seek veterinary help.

Rat bite on a dog is one of the ways leptospirosis can spread

Generally, the transmission of leptospirosis occurs in contact with urine or a rat bite. But a dog that has bitten the rat can also be infected and needs attention, especially against a secondary poisoning coming from the rodent. Whether it is a Beagle or a Vira-Lata, take all the necessary precautions and know that yes, it is okay to delay the dog's vaccine, as V10 prevents leptospirosis.