We love our dogs as if they were one of the family, and of course the last thing we want is to see them listless, lethargic, sick…
Leishmaniasis is one of the deadliest diseases And what frightens us most is the thought of our pets contracting it. We want to give you information about what leishmaniasis is and how to try to prevent it.
What is leishmaniasis?
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne infectious disease (transmitted by bites) caused by a microscopic parasite called Leishmania infantum. Our dogs can contract leishmaniasis. Through the bite of the sand fly . When a sand fly bites and ingests blood from an infected dog, the parasite is transferred to the sand fly's mouthparts. If that sand fly bites another dog, it transmits the parasite to a new dog, making it a host for the disease. Once the parasite enters the dog's bloodstream, it settles in the cells, causing damage to the affected tissues.
What is a phlebotomine?
Sandflies are insects similar to mosquitoes. They are often called mosquitoes because of their physical resemblance; however, they are only close relatives—smaller, quieter, and with a different lifestyle. Their external characteristics can lead us to mistake them for a common mosquito, albeit a much smaller one, the kind we rarely see during the colder months. But in reality, they are an insect perfectly adapted to the Mediterranean climate throughout the year.
Are there many sand fly bites in Spain?
Leishmaniasis was associated with the Mediterranean region and the hottest times of the year. 
What are the symptoms in my dog?
Leishmaniasis is a very serious threat to our dogs. After infection, it can take anywhere from 3 months to several years before clinical symptoms develop.
Skin lesions localized at the site of the initial bite are usually the first symptoms observed, followed by a series of highly variable clinical symptoms such as skin lesions and inflammation (dermatitis), localized hair loss (often facial), swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, inflammation of the eyes (conjunctivitis), or serious organ problems if vital organs such as the liver or kidneys are affected.
It is important to be aware that Once a dog has been infected with leishmaniasis, it will be a carrier of the disease for its entire life .
Prevention
There is no product that is 100% effective against leishmaniasis , but we can try to make it as difficult as possible for the sand fly to bite our dog. We trust brands with proven clinical and field studies for better protection:
SERESTO:
This collar provides us with 8 months of protection against fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
SCALIBOR:
This collar offers 12 months of mosquito repellent and 4 months of flea and tick protection.
ADVANTIX PIPETTE:
The pipette protects our dog for 3 weeks against mosquitoes and 4 weeks against fleas and ticks.
LETIFEND VACCINE
This is an annual vaccine to prevent the development of leishmaniasis when the sand fly has managed to bite our dog.
Our advice is above all to take action! If you need more information, our in-store advisors and veterinarians will be happy to advise you on which product is best suited to your pet.