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Is the Lepto vaccine safe for my Dachshund puppy? Breeder says no.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund miniature | Female | 2 months and 6 days old

Hi! I recently got a miniature dachsund puppy, and the breeder said we should research the Lepto Vaccine. She suggested we shouldn’t do the vaccine because these dogs can have reactions to it. What should we do?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 31st, 2018

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!

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