In Loving Memory of Flint -
Raising Awareness of Leptospirosis
- Know the risks. Protect your dog
This page is dedicated to our beautiful boy, Flint, who tragically lost his life to Leptospirosis.
Flint was more than just a dog — he was our best friend, our adventure buddy, and the heart behind Flintastics.
His love for life, for people, and for every stick and puddle he could find, made every day brighter.
One day, while exploring a local flooded area, Flint entered the water with a small, unnoticed cut on his paw.
This tiny wound gave Leptospirosis bacteria the chance to enter his bloodstream. Within a short time, he started showing
mild symptoms: sickness and disorientation.
At first, the signs didn’t seem life-threatening, but this disease moves terrifyingly fast. Antibiotics were not administered quickly enough to stop it.
Despite the best efforts of the veterinary team, Flint passed away less than 72 hours after his first symptoms appeared.
Why we’re sharing his story:
Leptospirosis is often misunderstood, and early symptoms can easily be mistaken for minor illnesses. We lost Flint before we even knew what we were fighting. Our hope is that by raising awareness, we can help prevent another family from facing the same heartbreak.
Please:
✔️ Know the signs
✔️ Act fast
✔️ Speak to your vet about vaccination
For Flint, and for every dog who deserves more time.
Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial infection that can affect dogs, wildlife, and even humans.
Caused by Leptospira bacteria, which thrive in wet environments like ponds, puddles, rivers, and stagnant water.
Dogs can become infected through direct contact (drinking or swimming in contaminated water) or indirect contact (licking paws or fur after exposure).
What is Leptospirosis?
Symptoms of Leptospirosis
Early detection saves lives!
Look out for:
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Lethargy and weakness
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Loss of appetite
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Vomiting or diarrhea
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Fever and shivering
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Muscle tenderness
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Jaundice (yellowing of gums or skin)
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Increased thirst and urination or, later, reduced urination
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Difficulty breathing
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Bleeding (nose, gums, or unexplained bruises)
⚠️ Symptoms can vary or seem mild at first — always contact your vet if your dog seems unwell.
How is it Spread?
Leptospira bacteria are shed in the urine of infected animals, contaminating water, soil, and surfaces.
Common sources:
📌Stagnant water (puddles, ponds, ditches)
📌Muddy fields
📌Areas visited by wildlife (foxes, rats, badgers, etc.)
📌Dogs can contract the infection through:
📌Drinking contaminated water
📌Contact with infected urine (directly or via surfaces)
📌Open wounds or broken skin
💧 Avoid stagnant water, and floodwater-
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flooding causes rats to move out of sewers, making them more prevelant in the envirnoment.
🦠 Be mindful on muddy walks -
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wash paws and fur after outings, and check for cuts and grazes.
🩺 Know the signs -
the faster you act, the better the chance of survival. antibiotics need to be administered FAST.
💉Vaccination -
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weigh up the pros and cons for vaccination, but be aware that it may not stop the infection. awareness and prevention is key.
Prevention & Protection
