🦟 Leishmania Prevention for Dogs in Spain

🧬 More Information About Leishmaniosis

Leishmaniosis is caused by Leishmania infantum, a parasite transmitted by sand flies, which are most active between May and October in southern Spain. The disease can affect a dog's skin, eyes, lymph nodes, and internal organs.

Some dogs can carry the parasite for years without showing signs, while others can become seriously ill. That is why prevention is fundamental.

💉 Vaccines: How Do They Work?

Leishmaniosis vaccines do not prevent sand fly bites, but they do help the dog's immune system respond much more effectively if a bite from an infected sand fly occurs. They stimulate a defense called a Th1 cellular response, which teaches the body to control the parasite inside its own cells.

The parasite lives inside certain defensive cells (macrophages). The vaccine helps activate these cells correctly, enabling them to destroy the parasite they are hiding. In contrast, dogs that develop a weaker Th2 response produce mostly antibodies, which are not capable of eliminating the parasite.

Vaccinated dogs have a much lower risk of developing the disease, although no vaccine is 100% effective. Therefore, we always recommend combining vaccination with external protection, such as repellent collars or spot-on treatments.

🦟 Collars and Spot-On Treatments

Collars and spot-on treatments contain repellents like deltamethrin, permethrin, or flumethrin, which reduce or prevent bites from sand flies, the insects that transmit leishmaniosis. Their main effect is repellent, preventing the insect from feeding, although some products also have an insecticidal effect on contact with the sand fly.

They do not act directly against the parasite, but they interrupt transmission, which only occurs through the bite. Depending on the product, protection can last between 5 and 12 months.

🔬 Should I Test My Dog Before Vaccination?

Yes, always. Performing a pre-vaccination test is an essential step in our protocol.

The vaccine is a prevention tool, not a treatment. Its goal is to teach the immune system of a healthy dog how to defend itself against a first contact with the parasite.

If the dog is already infected, the health priority is no longer prevention, but rather a precise diagnosis and specific clinical management of the infection. In these cases, vaccinating is not the appropriate solution and could interfere with the subsequent management of the disease.

⚠️ Can Reactions Occur?

All medical interventions—including vaccines, collars, or even certain foods—can cause reactions, although they are infrequent.

In the case of the vaccine, reactions are usually mild and temporary, such as slight inflammation at the injection site or some tiredness for a day or two. Serious reactions are very rare. Regarding collars, some dogs with sensitive skin may experience local irritation or hair loss in the contact area; this normally disappears after removing the collar or changing the product.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is the vaccine 100% effective?

No, but it significantly reduces the risk and severity of the disease if the dog were to become infected.

Can my dog be bitten while wearing the collar?

Yes, although the collar significantly reduces the risk, no repellent can guarantee complete prevention. Its effectiveness can be compromised over time or if it is not in optimal condition (e.g., if it is old, has lost its potency, or is incorrectly fitted). Even though most collars are water-resistant, frequent swimming or bathing can gradually reduce their protective charge.

When should I vaccinate?

The ideal time is before the start of the sand fly season (March-April) or at any time of year for previously unprotected dogs who test negative.

Do I need a collar and a vaccine at the same time?

Yes — the most complete protection is achieved by combining an external repellent with vaccination.

Can I buy the collar online or at a pet store?

We recommend purchasing it through a veterinarian. Our distributor obtains collars directly from the manufacturer, as there are many counterfeit copies online and in some unofficial stores. These fake products can be ineffective or even dangerous.