Do a search for your state and Leptospirosis - that might help you make a decision.

The reason most vets insist on giving Lepto is because this disease can easily be transmitted to humans. Something as simple as cleaning your dogs urine can transmit the leptospiros to yourself from an infected pet. A vet could be considered not doing his job correctly it he didn't give these shots to dogs and cats because of the human adult/child contamation threat. But still it is your animal therefore it is your decision whether to give the lepto or not. My vet and I have come to a decision. I do not give the lepto to puppies. But he strongly suggests I give lepto to my adult dogs. We live in a rural area and have wild animals wondering on and off the property. Infected wildlife animal urine will transmit the disease to your dog. The lepto shot is painful but rarely does it cause a bad reaction with the first shot. It may be the second or third or even later which can cause a severe reaction. This is because of the immune system and the antibodies it creates. Also to be completely protected lepto must be given every 6 months. This also increases the chance of a bad reaction. Also to lessen the chance of adverse reaction and to isolate the cause one should give the lepto in a single shot only. Not combined with other vaccines. This is difficult because most vets do not order immune shots this way as it is costly.

I have decided for my dogs that the risk of the vaccine does not outweigh the benefit. In fact, my breeder has it in her contract that no lepto may be given. I think I have seen it in the contracts of some of the breeders on here too.

I would definitely contact animal control in your area or the center for disease control and try to get statistics for lepto in your area and the areas where you go camping. Ask your vet if he/she has this info isnce in my opinion they should to be able to adequately assist their patients in making informed decisions.

I don't even give my dogs rabies because there hasn't been a case of rabies in over 40 years in my area.

Vaccines are not to be taken lightly as they have side effects, some with long range aspects to them and I don't agree with a standard routine schedule for all.

Youa re right to question this and to research and make the decision that is right for you and your baby. I know it is a tough one.

I found this on the internet, because I was quite curious myself...Best of luck!

Leptospira canicola
Buy Vaccine

Univac 7 Canine DA2LPP Single Dose Vaccine Unlike the other prevalent infectious disease of dogs, which are viral, Lepto is a bacterial infection common to many species of mammals, including humans. Ordinarily the Lepto bacteria are shed in the urine of carrier animals, and infection occurs when susceptible dogs are exposed to that urine. Even dogs that recovered several months earlier from active Lepto can continue to act as carriers of the disease to unvaccinated dogs. It is possible for humans to be infected through contact with an infected dogs urine-strict hygiene is therefore essential when dealing with a proven case of Lepto. This includes careful washing of hands, use disposable food and water bowls, and household bleach disinfection of all surfaces that were in contact with urine, vomit, or stools.

The signs of the acute phase of Lepto may mimic those of both Distemper and Hepatitis: fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, tonsillitis, ocular or nasal discharge, vomiting, abdominal pain and muscular pain. The white portion of they eyes may become yellow, and in severe cases the gums may become yellow. With appropriate and aggressive antibiotics and supportive therapy, most dogs infected with Lepto bacteria will recover, but a prolonged period of convalescence may be required before returning to full health. Dogs should receive an annual booster for Lepto.

VERY interesting! Thanks for posting this!

Thank you all for your very informative responses....still don't know what I am going to do...I will talk with my vet further on this ...thank you again....