Leishmaniosis in Dogs in Marbella: What Every Owner Should Know

Dr. Rocío Cromstedt Lavigne, Veterinary Surgeon and Co-Founder of MYVET Marbella.

Very recently, a dog belonging to someone very close to my family passed away because of leishmaniosis.

It was heartbreaking.

Not only because losing a dog is always painful, but because this disease is something we see, talk about and try to prevent every day as veterinarians here in southern Spain. And yet, many families still do not fully understand how serious it can be until it touches someone they love.

Here in Marbella, San Pedro de Alcántara, Nueva Andalucía, Estepona, Benahavís and across the Costa del Sol, leishmaniosis is not a distant or rare disease. It is present in our environment. It affects local dogs, adopted dogs, puppies, older dogs and dogs that seem perfectly healthy.

That is why I wanted to write this article in a very clear, honest and practical way.

Not to frighten you, but to help you protect your dog.

Because with awareness, regular testing and good prevention, we can often detect the disease earlier, manage it better and reduce the risk dramatically.

What is leishmaniosis?

Leishmaniosis is a serious disease present in Marbella and the Costa del Sol. Prevention, testing and early veterinary care can save lives.

Leishmaniosis, often called leishmaniasis by pet owners, is a serious parasitic disease caused mainly by a parasite called Leishmania infantum.

In dogs, this parasite can affect the skin, immune system, lymph nodes, kidneys, joints, eyes and other organs. Some dogs show obvious symptoms. Others can be infected for a long time without looking ill.

This is one of the reasons leishmaniosis is so dangerous: it can be silent.

A dog may still be eating, walking and playing normally while the parasite is already present in the body. In other cases, symptoms appear gradually and are easy to confuse with ageing, allergies, skin problems or “just being tired”.

If the disease progresses without diagnosis or treatment, it can become severe and, in some cases, life-threatening.

How do dogs get leishmaniosis?

Dogs become infected through the bite of an infected sand fly.

Despite the name, sand flies are not the same as normal flies, and they are not simply found on the beach. They are tiny insects, often smaller than mosquitoes, and their bites can go unnoticed.

They are most active during warm months and especially around dusk, evening, night and dawn. In Mediterranean areas like Marbella, where temperatures can remain mild for much of the year, the risk season may feel longer than many owners expect.

A dog does not usually catch leishmaniosis by playing with another dog, sharing a water bowl or sleeping next to an infected dog. The main route is the bite of the infected sand fly.

This is why prevention must focus on avoiding sand fly bites.

Why is leishmaniosis important in Marbella?

Marbella and the Costa del Sol have many of the conditions that allow sand flies to survive and transmit the disease: warm weather, outdoor living, gardens, terraces, humid corners, organic matter, wildlife and a large dog population.

Many dogs here spend time outside in the evening. They sleep on terraces, join family dinners outdoors, walk near gardens, parks and green areas, or travel between coastal and countryside environments.

This lifestyle is one of the beautiful things about living in Marbella.

But it also means we must be more aware.

For dog owners in this area, leishmaniosis prevention should not be optional or occasional. It should be part of your dog’s annual health plan.

What are the symptoms of leishmaniosis in dogs?

Leishmaniosis can look different from one dog to another. Some dogs show skin signs first. Others show weight loss, tiredness or kidney problems. Some have very mild signs for months.

Common symptoms include:

• Weight loss, even when the dog is still eating

• Tiredness, weakness or reduced interest in exercise

• Poor appetite

• Dry, flaky or scaly skin

• Hair loss, especially around the eyes, ears or muzzle

• Skin wounds that do not heal properly

• Overgrown or abnormal nails

• Nosebleeds

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Eye problems, redness or inflammation

• Lameness or joint pain

• Diarrhoea or digestive issues

• Increased drinking or urination

• Pale gums or signs of anaemia

• Kidney problems, sometimes severe

One of the most important things to understand is this: your dog does not need to show all of these signs.

Even one or two changes can be enough to justify a veterinary check, especially in a leishmaniosis area like Marbella.

If your dog has unexplained skin problems, weight loss, tiredness, nosebleeds, enlarged lymph nodes or abnormal blood results, leishmaniosis should always be considered.

Can a healthy-looking dog have leishmaniosis?

Yes.

This is one of the most important messages I want every dog owner to remember.

A dog can be infected and still look healthy.

Some dogs control the infection for a period of time thanks to their immune system. Others may only show subtle changes. This is why routine blood testing is so valuable, especially in endemic areas.

At MYVET Marbella, we recommend discussing leishmaniosis screening as part of your dog’s preventive healthcare plan, particularly if your dog lives locally, spends time outdoors, has never been tested, has been adopted, or has travelled from another area.

Early detection can make a huge difference.

How is leishmaniosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually involves a combination of:

• Clinical examination

• Blood tests

• Antibody testing

• General blood profile

• Kidney and liver evaluation

• Urine testing

• Protein levels and inflammation markers

• Sometimes PCR or additional laboratory tests

A quick test can be useful, but it is not always the whole story.

Leishmaniosis is a complex disease, and the interpretation of results depends on symptoms, antibody levels, organ function and the individual dog.

This is why it is important not to treat a test result in isolation. We treat the patient, not just the number.

Is leishmaniosis treatable?

Yes, many dogs with leishmaniosis can be treated and live good-quality lives, especially when the disease is diagnosed early and monitored properly.

However, it is important to be honest: treatment is not always a complete cure.

The parasite can remain in the body, and relapses can happen. Some dogs require long-term monitoring, repeated blood and urine tests, medication adjustments and careful kidney follow-up.

Treatment may include medicines such as allopurinol, miltefosine or meglumine antimoniate, depending on the stage of the disease, the dog’s health, kidney function and veterinary assessment.

The exact protocol must always be decided by a veterinarian.

Some dogs respond very well. Others, especially those diagnosed late with kidney damage, may have a more guarded prognosis.

This is why prevention and early diagnosis are so important.

Can leishmaniosis be fatal?

Sadly, yes.

Leishmaniosis can be fatal, particularly when it is diagnosed late, when the kidneys are already affected, or when the dog does not receive appropriate monitoring and treatment.

This is what makes the disease so emotional for us as veterinarians.

We know that some cases could have been detected earlier. We know that many owners would have acted sooner if they had understood the first signs. We know that prevention is much easier than treating advanced disease.

The loss of a family dog to leishmaniosis is devastating.

And if sharing this information helps even one family in Marbella protect their dog earlier, then it is worth writing.

Can humans catch leishmaniosis from dogs?

This is a very common and very important question.

Leishmaniosis is considered a zoonotic disease, which means it can affect humans as well as animals. However, people do not usually catch it directly by touching, cuddling or living with an infected dog.

The usual route of transmission is also through the bite of an infected sand fly.

Dogs are important because they can act as a reservoir for the parasite in endemic areas. This means that preventing leishmaniosis in dogs also helps reduce the wider risk in the environment.

Most healthy people are at low risk of severe disease, but people with weakened immune systems, very young children, elderly people or those with certain medical conditions may be more vulnerable.

If you have health concerns, you should speak with your doctor. From a veterinary perspective, the best thing we can do is protect dogs from sand fly bites, test them regularly and treat infected dogs responsibly.

How can I protect my dog from leishmaniosis?

There is no single perfect method. The best protection is usually a layered approach.

1. Use a veterinary-recommended repellent

Repellent collars or spot-on products designed to reduce sand fly bites are one of the most important tools.

Not every parasite product protects against sand flies, so please do not assume that a standard flea or tick product is enough.

Ask your vet which product is most appropriate for your dog, your lifestyle and your household. This is especially important if you have cats at home, because some dog products can be toxic to cats if used incorrectly.

2. Avoid high-risk times when possible

Sand flies are most active from dusk to dawn.

During peak risk periods, try to avoid long walks in humid, sheltered, garden-like areas at sunset or late at night. If your dog sleeps outside, consider bringing them indoors overnight.

3. Reduce sand fly hiding places

Sand flies like quiet, humid areas with organic matter.

Helpful steps include:

• Keeping gardens tidy

• Removing piles of leaves or organic waste

• Avoiding stagnant water and damp corners

• Using fine mesh screens where possible

• Keeping outdoor sleeping areas clean

• Avoiding leaving dogs outside overnight in high-risk months

4. Test your dog regularly

In Marbella and surrounding areas, annual testing is a very sensible preventive habit.

For some dogs, especially those with symptoms, previous exposure, outdoor lifestyle or abnormal blood results, your vet may recommend more frequent monitoring.

5. Consider vaccination

There are vaccines available in Europe that can help reduce the risk of developing active infection and clinical disease after exposure to Leishmania infantum.

Vaccination is not a replacement for repellents.

It is an additional layer of protection and should only be used after veterinary assessment. Dogs usually need to be tested before vaccination to confirm they are not already infected.

Your vet can advise whether vaccination is appropriate for your dog.

My dog already had leishmaniosis. Does prevention still matter?

Yes, absolutely.

A dog that has been diagnosed and treated still needs protection from sand flies. This helps reduce the risk of further exposure and may also reduce the chance of the dog contributing to transmission.

These dogs also need regular veterinary check-ups.

Monitoring usually includes blood tests, urine tests, kidney evaluation and assessment of clinical signs. Even if your dog looks well, follow-up is essential.

When should I book a leishmaniosis test?

You should speak to your vet if:

• Your dog has never been tested in Spain

• Your dog lives in Marbella or the Costa del Sol

• Your dog has skin problems, weight loss or tiredness

• Your dog has nosebleeds or swollen lymph nodes

• Your dog drinks or urinates more than usual

• Your dog was adopted or rescued

• Your dog has travelled from or to Mediterranean areas

• You are considering vaccination

• You want to create a prevention plan before the warmer months

Testing is simple compared with the consequences of missing the disease.

A personal message from Rocío

As a vet, I can explain leishmaniosis with medical words.

As a dog lover, I feel it very differently.

When you see a family lose a dog to this disease, especially someone close to you, it stays with you. It reminds you that prevention is not just a recommendation on a brochure. It is an act of love.

Our dogs trust us completely.

They do not know what a sand fly is. They do not know when a disease is developing silently inside their body. They cannot ask for a blood test or tell us their kidneys are starting to suffer.

That is our responsibility.

If you live in Marbella, San Pedro, Estepona, Benahavís, Nueva Andalucía or anywhere on the Costa del Sol, please take leishmaniosis seriously.

Not with fear.

With awareness.

With prevention.

With testing.

With action.

How MYVET Marbella can help

At MYVET Marbella, we can help you create a personalised leishmaniosis prevention plan for your dog.

This may include:

• A full veterinary consultation

• Leishmaniosis testing

• Blood and urine screening

• Repellent recommendations

• Vaccination advice

• Long-term monitoring for positive dogs

• Clear guidance in English and Spanish

If you are unsure whether your dog is protected, tested or at risk, we are here to help.

Book an appointment with MYVET Marbella and let’s protect your dog together.

Because in Marbella, leishmaniosis is real.

But with the right care, knowledge and prevention, we can give our dogs the protection they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Leishmaniosis in Dogs

Is leishmaniosis common in Marbella?

Leishmaniosis is present in Mediterranean areas, including southern Spain and the Costa del Sol. Dog owners in Marbella should consider it an important local health risk.

Can my dog catch leishmaniosis from another dog?

Usually, no. The main route of transmission is through the bite of an infected sand fly, not direct dog-to-dog contact.

Can indoor dogs get leishmaniosis?

Yes. Indoor dogs may have a lower risk, but sand flies can enter homes and dogs may still be exposed during walks, terrace time or travel.

Is there a vaccine for leishmaniosis?

Yes, vaccines are available for dogs in Europe, but they are not suitable for every dog and do not replace sand fly repellents. Your dog should be assessed and usually tested before vaccination.

Can leishmaniosis be cured completely?

Many dogs improve greatly with treatment, but the parasite may remain in the body. Long-term monitoring is often needed.

How often should my dog be tested?

In endemic areas like Marbella, annual testing is often recommended. Dogs with symptoms, previous infection or higher exposure may need more frequent checks.

What is the best prevention?

The best prevention is a combination of veterinary-recommended sand fly repellents, regular testing, environmental management, avoiding high-risk times and considering vaccination when appropriate.

Author: Dr. Rocío Cromstedt Lavigne

Veterinary Surgeon, MRCVS & Co-Founder of MYVET Marbella

If your dog lives in Marbella or the Costa del Sol, prevention and early testing matter. Book a leishmaniosis consultation with MYVET Marbella and let us help you protect your dog.