What is dog leishmaniasis?

Leishmaniasis is a deadly diseases that affects dogs, a very sensitive species, but also humans and other mammals.

It is transmitted by repeated bites of insects called sandflies. 

Around the Mediterranean basin, all dogs are exposed.

• If you live in an area at risk
• If you travel outside France and go to a zone at risk

Different, specific means of prevention exist against this disease. It is possible to vaccinate your dog as to make his immune system capable of fighting the disease.

500,000 dogs have already benefited from vaccination in Europe.

This vaccine is made independently of the usual vaccines. It can be done from the age of 6 months.

It is also recommended to fight insects by bringing your dog inside at night and using insect repellents against sandflies.

Warning : external parasite pesticides are not all effective against sandflies !

In case of infection, it is possible that the symptoms do not appear immediately.

The symptoms of the diseases can be:

• Weight loss
• Skin problems
• Nosebleeds
• Abnormally long claws
• Lameness

Internal organs are also affected, which can lead to anemia, arthritis and severe kidney failure.

To find out if your dog is sick, your vet can do a screening test.

The available treatments against leishmaniasis are heavy and expensive. They help slow the progression of the disease and space the relapses.

For more information, ask your vet for advice.