My dog has a red spot. Could it be a rat bite? Is he safe from leptospirosis?

Question

Hi, found a small reddish spot above my dog's eye yesterday. I'm not sure if it might be a rat bite but I put an antibiotic on it last night, which was prescribed by our vet when my dog's skin had a reddish spot before as well. Is my dog going to be ok if it was potentially a rat bite? He's complete in 5-in-1 shots and flu shot will be done next month. Pet's info: Dog | Lhasa Apso | Male | unneutered | 4 years and 3 months old | 20 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

The disease that rats carry is known as leptospirosis, and unless his 5-in-1 vaccine protected against leptospirosis, he won't be covered for it. Most 5-in-1 vaccines I am familiar with do not protect against lepto, so I would take Brazil into your vet to be safe. The vet can determine if he was bit by a rat, and prescribe treatment for it. I would also recommend getting a lepto vaccine for him if he's not protected for it.

My dog has a red spot. Could it be a rat bite? Is he safe from leptospirosis?

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