The health and well-being of our furry friends is of utmost importance; Therefore, it is very important to give them the best care. Although some insects may seem harmless, such as processionary caterpillars, they represent a serious danger to our dogs. The same goes for mosquitoes.
Therefore, today, in the company of our trusted veterinarian, TomVets, we will address the topic of canine leishmaniasis, a disease caused by the Leishmania parasite and transmitted through the bite of sandflies.
In spring and summer, the risk of contagion always increases due to the greater activity of sandflies mosquitoes. This year, with temperatures rising, it seems the risk will come sooner.
Unfortunately, you should know that leishmaniasis is an incurable disease and in advanced stages it can be serious, significantly deteriorating the quality of life of our four-legged friends. Despite this, according to Nora Llanas, a home veterinarian at TomVets, many people are still unaware of the symptoms and the serious consequences it can have for their dog’s health. Therefore, we hope that this article helps you prevent this disease.
Therefore, it is crucial to make families who have dogs understand that prevention is the most important thing and that they should not take risks.
Unfortunately, there is currently no Leishmania prevention method that guarantees 100% effectiveness.
Therefore, it is necessary to combine several strategies. As Llanas explains to us: “The ideal is to use antiparasitic methods such as collars and pipettes during the spring-summer months, and vaccinate them against Leishmania during the previous months (autumn-winter), so that they reach summer with enough antibodies.”
Additionally, it is important to select a collar or pipette that provides protection against the sand fly, as not all offer this coverage. On the other hand, it is also essential to protect them at home by using mosquito nets and mosquito repellents during the warmer months.
It is important to note that the disease does not manifest itself in the same way in all dogs. While some show obvious signs, others may be asymptomatic. Among the most common symptoms are:
Therefore, in case our dog unfortunately suffers from Leishmania, Nora explains to us that there are different types of medication depending on the stage of the disease. It is important to carry out routine reviews to adjust the medication as it progresses.
