Leishmaniosis in Dogs – What You Need to Know

Leishmaniosis is a serious, chronic infectious disease in dogs. It is caused by parasites transmitted through the bite of infected sand flies. Dogs from or traveling to Mediterranean and southern regions are particularly at risk, but the disease is becoming more relevant in other areas as well due to climate change.

Symptoms

Symptoms can vary greatly and may appear months or even years after infection. Common signs include weight loss, fatigue, skin problems, hair loss, inflamed eyes or ears, enlarged lymph nodes, and kidney disease in advanced stages.

Treatment

Leishmaniosis cannot be cured, but it can be managed. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, many dogs can live a long and good quality life.

Prevention and Vaccination

Prevention is essential and includes:

• Protection against sand flies (repellent collars or spot-on treatments)

• Avoiding outdoor exposure at dusk and night in risk areas

A preventive vaccination against leishmaniosis is also available. While it does not provide complete protection against infection, it can significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease and help lessen its severity. Dogs must be healthy and test negative before vaccination, and the vaccine should always be used in combination with sand fly protection.

Conclusion

Leishmaniosis is a serious disease, but effective prevention is possible. Combining consistent sand fly protection with vaccination offers the best defense, especially for dogs living in or traveling to high-risk regions.