Is it safe to give a leptospirosis vaccine to my pregnant dog?

Hi there. We don't normally recommend vaccinating pregnant dogs, since if she would happen to have a reaction to the vaccines, this could cause significant problems for the developing puppies or even cause her to lose the pregnancy. So if you think Rosie might be pregnant, I would recommend waiting until after she's had the puppies, and then having her vaccinations updated.

There is no problem with the rabies vaccination and pregnancy because it is a killed virus. The parvo and lepto vaccines are modified live vaccines and could cause abortion, resorption of the fetuses or stillbirths. If she has pseudopregnancy there is no issues to be worried about.

If there is any suspicion of leptospira infection antibiotics can be possibly given even if pregnant (for example Amoxycillin and clavulanic acid). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

Lepto is transmitted in the urine of other animals (foxes, other dogs, smaller wild animals). Many dogs are exposed and have no signs whatsoever. But an unlucky 10% or less develope kidney damage requiring hospitalization. Occasionally the damage is irreversible. For me and my pets, it’s not worth that risk. But if your Twix will be almost entirely indoors (no camping, dog parks, etc.) it may not make sense to vaccinate. Also Depending on how common lepto is in your area, it may be more or less likely that Twix is exposed. With the newer lepto vaccines, we are not seeing any more anaphylactoid reactions than any other vaccine (<1%). However, I AM seeing more pain and lethargy associated with this vaccine than other vaccines. Since Twix shouldn’t be out and about yet anyway, I’d probably hold off and do it by itself after his other puppy vaccines are finished. Best of luck to you and Twix!

The vaccine manufacturer will typically make a recommendation about the age at which to start the vaccine, and there are some leptospirosis vaccines labeled for ages 9 weeks and older. Even if the vaccine was labeled to start later many veterinarians will start vaccines earlier than labeled for dogs at high risk for infectious diseases like those in shelters and do not seem to experience an increase in side effects.

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The timing of Lucy's vaccinations will have no impact on her pregnancy. These vaccines are very safe, & do not cause any problems with puppies developing in utero. Take care.

It is never recommended to vaccinate a pregnant pet. Modified live virus vaccines should never be given. Killed virus vaccines (such as rabies), may be given later in the pregnancy if necessary but only under the advice and guidance of your veterinarian.