Heart Evangelista raises pet health awareness after dog Panda's bout with leptospirosis

Heart Evangelista is championing the cause of pet health awareness after her dog Panda's bout with leptospirosis.

According to Nelson Canlas’ report on “24 Oras Weekend,” Saturday, Heart suspects that her fur baby contracted the disease after Heart ventured into floodwaters.

“Sobrang na-stress ako, but, you know, there’s a vaccine for it. And talagang kailangan attuned ka sa mga anak mong fur babies dahil konting changes lang, nagsuka lang nang konti, pa-check up na agad. Especially lalo na sa mga ganitong baha,” she said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, leptospirosis is caused by the bacterium Leptospira found in contaminated water or soil.

Leptospirosis cases typically spike when floods occur during the rainy season.

Meanwhile, Heart is gearing up for the return of her reality series, "Heart World." 

The first season of "Heart World" premiered on GMA Network in October 2024 and aired its last episode in January 2025. The reality series gave an exclusive look into the life of the Global Fashion Icon, such as when she met South Korean actress Song Hye Kyo at Paris Fashion Week 2022. —Carby Rose Basina/JCB, GMA Integrated News