By Steve Dale, CABC
Increasingly, Veterinary professionals are increasingly encountering resistance from clients when it comes to vaccinations –even for rabies. There was a time when veterinary professional’s recommendation was enough for most clients to comply without question. Then came an era where explanations were necessary. Today, in many cases, it feels as though veterinary professionals must act as defense attorneys armed with research and citations – only to find that even solid evidence often fails to sway clients’ entrenched opinions.
Some clients believe veterinary professionals push vaccinations solely for profit. Others are convinced that pets are being over-vaccinated, leading to undocumented adverse events, including but not limited to, autism. Many hold both beliefs, often influenced by political rhetoric.
The American Animal Hospital Association’s (AAHA) 2023 Canine Vaccination Guidelines now classify the leptospirosis vaccine as core – a decision that, while scientifically sound, could not have come at a more challenging time. Arguably, this change should have been made years ago, which might have eased some of today’s resistance.
Further complicating the issue, a quick online search can lead clients to outdated concerns about adverse reactions to the lepto vaccine, particularly in small dogs. What they fail to realize is that these reports stem from vaccines developed over 30 years ago, not the safer, more refined versions available today.
Leptospirosis is no longer just a rural disease affecting farm animals. Though exact numbers are difficult to determine due to the lack of centralized surveillance system like a CDC for pets, it is apparent that leptospirosis is increasingly prevalent in urban areas. One contributing factor is the rise in city rat populations. This study from Chicago demonstrates the correlation –likely even causation – between increased urban wildlife and the spread of lepto. Beyond rats, other carriers include coyotes, opossums, raccoons, and mice, all thriving in urban environments.
Coyote populations are surging across the U.S., yet there is currently no surveillance for lepto in these animals.
In fact, while we have data on the number of diagnosed canine cases, we have no reliable estimates on how many dogs may carry and spread the bacteria without showing symptoms. The growing popularity of dog parks, daycare facilities, and playgroups only increases the risk of transmission.
Leptospirosis spreads through the urine of an infected animal. A dog can contract the infection simply by stepping in a contaminated puddle and then licking its paw. Swimming in infected water is another common transmission route. As awareness of the disease has increased, veterinary professionals are testing for it more frequently, which may partially account for the rise in reported cases.
If these facts don’t persuade clients, there is another compelling reason to vaccinate: leptospirosis is zoonotic, meaning it can spread to humans. Leptospirosis is the most common zoonotic illness worldwide. While the U.S. does not face the same risks as developing nations, human cases still occur. A toddler crawling through an area where an infected dog has urinated, or an owner cleaning up an accident without proper hygiene could contract the disease. Even swallowing contaminated water while swimming in a lake or pond poses a risk.
Veterinary technicians/nurses play a crucial role in client education. So, the $50,000 or $10 million question is how to you convince clients so entrenched in their views?
Veterinary technicians/nurses play a crucial role in client education, but the challenge remains: how do you convince clients whose minds are already made up? As someone who specializes in communication, I wish I had a foolproof strategy. Beyond presenting the facts—and they are indisputable—there is no guaranteed approach. Perhaps the only surefire way to avoid lepto altogether is to move to Greenland, where it has yet to be reported.