Dogs can also contract leptospirosis, a bacterial disease commonly associated with exposure to floodwaters contaminated by infected animal urine, a Manila veterinarian said Friday.

According to a report by RH Tina Nolasco, Dr. Hector David Dimaculangan, division chief of the Pound and Animal Disease Control Services of the Manila Veterinary Inspection Board, said dogs are particularly vulnerable because they may wade through floodwaters and come into contact with contaminated ground.

“Posible kasi unang-una sila yung nandoon sa ground tapos ihu-hunt nila yung daga, kaya talagang susceptible sila,” Dimaculangan said in an interview with DZRH during the Dog Pawshion Show at the Senior Citizens & Pet Park Plaza Azul on Quirino Avenue in Pandacan, Manila.

Among the symptoms of leptospirosis in dogs are yellowing of the skin or eyes and difficulty urinating, Dimaculangan said.

He urged pet owners to have their dogs vaccinated against leptospirosis and to immediately consult a veterinarian if their pets develop symptoms.

“Sa lahat ng nag-aalaga ng aso’t pusa o anumang hayop, meron tayong bakuna sa leptospirosis. Kasama ’yon sa 6-in-1, 8-in-1,” he said.

Leptospirosis is commonly transmitted through contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, particularly rats.