If you’re travelling with a dog to southern Europe – for example to southern Croatia, Montenegro, Italy, Spain, Greece or Portugal – or to other warm, subtropical or tropical parts of the world, you should know about leishmaniasis.
It’s a parasitic disease found around the Mediterranean, but it’s also present in parts of South and Central America, Africa, the Middle East and several regions of Asia.
In Europe it’s mainly found in warmer Mediterranean regions. In recent years it has appeared in parts of the Balkans, including southern Croatia. It’s not something most tourists think much about, but the consequences for dogs can be serious.
This article is a straightforward overview: what leishmaniasis is, how it spreads, the signs to watch for, and how to protect your dog.
Table of Contents
What is leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania. In dogs, the most common form affects the internal organs (visceral leishmaniasis).
It can become chronic and, without treatment, significantly shortens a dog’s lifespan and quality of life.
How leishmaniasis spreads
Transmission occurs via tiny biting sand flies (phlebotomine flies). They thrive in warm climates and are especially active at dusk and at night.
The mechanism is straightforward: a fly bites an infected dog, then bites another animal and passes on the parasite.
Direct dog-to-dog or dog-to-human transmission through normal contact is not a typical route of spread.
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Leishmaniasis and transmission to humans
Humans can be affected too, but infection usually occurs the same way as in dogs — through the bite of an infected sand fly, not by petting or ordinary contact with a dog. Although it is a zoonosis, it does not spread via saliva, touch or everyday contact with a dog.
Direct transmission from a dog to a person without the involvement of a fly is considered extremely unlikely.
For a healthy traveller the risk is low, but protecting your dog also matters for public health — an infected dog can serve as a reservoir of infection for other sand flies.
Symptoms and treatment in humans
In humans, leishmaniasis most often appears as slow-healing skin ulcers or nodules. Less commonly, a more serious form affects internal organs and presents with fever, fatigue and weight loss.
Treatment is overseen by a physician using antiparasitic medicines and, with timely diagnosis, is usually successful. If you develop unusual symptoms after travel, be sure to tell your doctor about any stays in risk areas.
Signs of the disease in dogs
In dogs, onset is often slow and subtle. Signs may appear months after you return from holiday — one reason the disease can be so insidious.
Common signs include:
- weight loss despite a normal appetite
- lethargy and fatigue
- enlarged lymph nodes
- skin issues (hair loss, scaly skin, slow-healing wounds)
- overgrown nails
- kidney problems in advanced stages
Without treatment the disease can severely damage internal organs.
Most veterinary laboratories can diagnose it from a blood sample. It’s sensible to have your dog tested after returning from risk areas, or if your dog shows any of the signs above.
Prevention: how to protect your dog
Prevention is key, especially if you’re heading to warm coastal regions.
Your main options are:
1. Vaccination against leishmaniasis
A vaccine is available that helps reduce the risk of developing disease. It does not provide full protection against infection, but it lowers the chance of a severe course.
Plan vaccination well in advance, as it requires an initial dosing schedule. From our own experience, the vaccine is usually available mainly in countries and regions where the disease is truly present. Obtaining it outside those areas can be costly or even impossible. In Slovakia we tried to get the vaccine for our dog Ibo before flying to Paraguay and Bolivia, but we weren’t successful. We couldn’t get it in northern Croatia either; we were advised to try in Dubrovnik in the south of the country. In the end, we prioritised repellent protection over vaccination.
2. Repellent protection against insects
An important part of prevention is using:
- repellent antiparasitic collars
- spot-on treatments that repel biting insects
These products lower the chance that an infected sand fly will bite your dog.
3. Practical measures
- limit your dog’s time outdoors after dusk
- don’t let your dog sleep outside at night
- use air-conditioned rooms or screened spaces
Should the average traveller be worried?
Leishmaniasis isn’t a reason to panic or cancel your trip. But if you’re travelling with a dog — especially to southern Europe — it’s something you should be aware of.
Good prevention greatly reduces the risk. If you’re planning a longer stay in risk areas, discuss protection with your vet before you go.