Having dogs in a city like New York City is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences. There is so much to do here; so many places to visit, so many parks, so many doggo friends and the ability to jump in a car and get to the beach, another exciting town, mountains or more in just a few hours or less. I basically LOVE having dogs in New York City, but that does mean we have to be extremely prepared for almost everything. This is why all my dogs are fully vaccinated for everything - yes, everything!

We have partnered up with leading animal health company Elanco to talk about how important it is as dog parents to get your pups fully vaccinated. We get all of the core vaccines (like rabies), but it’s also important to us to get lifestyle vaccines, like Lyme and leptospirosis vaccines. Let me tell you why!

First, leptospirosis, what even is it? Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal bacterial disease commonly spread by wildlife. I know, I know NYC…wildlife? Well…squirrels, rats and mice are considered wildlife, so we basically live in a forest! Lepto is transmitted through an infected animal’s urine that can infect dogs who come into contact with it. The reason this is such an important vaccine for dogs in NYC is that our pups are walking these streets daily and the bacteria can enter through a cut in their skin, or through their eyes, nose or mouth. Recently there was a lepto outbreak in Brooklyn where we live at a dog nearby park! So many dogs were getting infected and sick within just a few days. (Side note: a reason to stay away from city owned dog parks, they are ALWAYS dirty and vaccines are not regulated).

One of the main reasons that we have the leptospirosis vaccine is because Pharrell - sweet baby Pharrell - loves and I mean LOVES to lick pee on the streets. Before you @ me, I have tried everything to get him to stop but he is unstoppable. Having him vaccinated for leptospirosis gives me such a huge comfort knowing that if he does somehow lick an infected rodent’s pee that he is covered. It is hard to know if your pup has gotten lepto but here are a few signs to look out for: anorexia, lethargy, and vomiting.

Secondly, the Lyme vaccine! Living in NYC we go out to The Hamptons and other beaches on Long Island all year round with the dogs. Fun fact: ticks don't just live in wooded areas…they also LOVE the beach as do my dogs. Ticks are one thing that I am extremely terrified of. Once it’s in a dog’s system, it spreads to areas like joints and organs, which can mean chronic health issues. So every year we make sure that all 3 of our pups get this vaccine along with their core.

Did you know that both Lyme and leptospirosis in dogs are more prevalent now than ever before? I don’t know about you, but that really scares me and I have a reminder on my phone yearly to make sure my babies are fully protected from both of their horrible diseases.

Most people think Lyme is only a problem in the Northeast or upper Midwest, but tick’s natural habitats have moved into new parts of the country! And if you’re at risk for Lyme disease, you’re also at risk for lepto.

If your dogs are not currently fully vaccinated, please consider heading to your vet and getting them all their core and lifestyle vaccines. You can learn more about Lyme and lepto by visiting WagStats.com.

Vaccines and why you need them, even in the city