Several of my fellow Norwich breeders have reported deadly reactions to the vaccine in their dogs. On the other hand, leptospirosis is also deadly. One my dogs in a pet home died of leptospirosis. (The dog was not vaccinated for leptospirosis.)
The leptospirosis vaccine is not a "core" vaccine but rather an optional vaccine. Some vets routinely recommend the vaccine out of caution because leptospirosis is also a zoonotic disease - meaning that leptospirosis can be transmitted to humans.
I think the best thing to do is inquire about the incidence of leptospirosis in your area.
My local vet says that they rarely see leptospirosis and they do not even carry the vaccine. But I live in the country, so any wild animal sick from leptospirosis is probably quickly killed by predators. So I have chosen not to vaccinate my dogs for leptospirosis. But I do vaccinate for other things! Vaccination is one of the best health measures that there is ... for dogs and humans! My pet dog who died from leptospirosis lived in a major city. Several of my pet owners have vaccinated their dogs with the leptospirosis vaccine with no adverse effects.
I recommend that you ask your vet how many cases of leptospirosis they have seen in the past year, and then make a decision as to whether or not to give the vaccine. Do not let a vet bully you into vaccinating your dog. You have to be the health advocate for your dog.
27 Oct 2022