PARAMUS-- Veterinarians say they have seen a marked increase in cases of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease carried by squirrels and rats, News 4 New York reported.
"We've probably had five or six cases of leptospirosis over the course of the winter," vet Tara Fetzer of BluePearl Veterinary Partners told the station, a "much higher" number of cases than normal.
The disease is transmitted by urine, which dogs may lap up from puddles while out for a walk. The illness is also potentially fatal to humans.
Experts believe cases are on the increase due to the mild winter, which has resulted in dogs spending more time outside.
Symptoms in dogs include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite and either an increase in urination or difficulty urinating. The disease can also pass from one dog to another.
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