Canine leishmaniasis (kala-azar): prevention, symptoms and myths
What leishmaniasis is, how sandflies transmit it, which symptoms to watch for, and how to protect your dog from spring through autumn in Greece.
7/9/2026
· Gatsou Team
· health, summer
Leishmaniasis — also known as kala-azar — is probably the disease Greek dog owners fear most, and with good reason: Greece is an endemic region. The good news is that proper prevention drastically reduces the risk, and early diagnosis makes an enormous difference to how the disease unfolds.
What is leishmaniasis?
It's a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania. In dogs it affects the skin and internal organs, and without treatment it can be life-threatening. Importantly, it is NOT transmitted by simple contact from dog to dog, or from dog to human through petting or living together — it always needs its "carrier".
How is it transmitted?
Exclusively through the bite of an infected sandfly (phlebotomine). In Greece, sandflies are active from early spring until October, most intensely at dusk and dawn. That means the "risk season" lasts more than half the year — and protection needs to be consistent, not occasional.
What are the symptoms?
•
Weight loss while appetite often stays normal
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Skin lesions and hair loss, especially around the eyes and ears
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Unusually long, brittle nails that grow abnormally fast
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Wounds that won't heal, mainly on the head and legs
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Lethargy, weakness and swollen lymph nodes
Symptoms often appear months — even years — after infection. That's why the annual blood test matters so much: it catches the disease before it has time to do damage.
How do I protect my dog?
1
A repellent antiparasitic all season long
A collar or spot-on with proven sandfly-repellent action, applied consistently from spring to late autumn. Your vet will recommend the right product.
2
Avoid peak sandfly hours
Limit walks at dusk and dawn during the warm months, especially near standing water and dense vegetation.
3
Sleep in a protected space
If your dog sleeps outdoors, consider screens or moving them inside during peak months — sandflies bite mostly at night.
4
An annual leishmaniasis test
A simple blood test every year, ideally in spring, catches any infection early.
5
Ask about the vaccine
A leishmaniasis vaccine exists — it doesn't replace antiparasitics, but your vet can tell you whether it's appropriate for your dog.
Antiparasitic reminders in your pet's Gatsou health book help make sure not a single dose is missed — with leishmaniasis, consistency is the whole game.
Can leishmaniasis be cured?
The disease can be controlled but never fully "cleared" from the body. With early diagnosis, the right medication and regular monitoring, most dogs live normal, good-quality lives for years. A positive dog is not "doomed" — but they do need consistent veterinary care.
Frequently asked
Can leishmaniasis spread to humans or other pets?
Not through direct contact. Transmission only happens via the bite of an infected sandfly. Petting, playing and living with a dog that has leishmaniasis poses no risk.
When should I apply sandfly protection?
From early spring through October, without gaps. Many vets in Greece now recommend year-round protection because of the mild winters.
Is there a vaccine for leishmaniasis?
Yes, there is a vaccine that reduces the chance of developing the disease. It doesn't replace repellent antiparasitics though — the two measures work together. Ask your vet whether it's right for your dog.
Can a dog with leishmaniasis live a normal life?
In most cases yes, as long as the disease is diagnosed early and treatment is followed. With regular monitoring, many dogs with leishmaniasis live for years with excellent quality of life.
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