How should dogs (and other pets) be carried in the car according to the DGT?
According to the DGT, when travelling with your pet in the car, you must place a separator to prevent your pet from distracting you and
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The canine leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of a phlebotomine sandfly, especially present in Mediterranean areas such as the Marina Alta. A early diagnosisThe disease can be controlled and the quality of life of the affected dog can be improved with appropriate veterinary follow-up.
At Benivet Benissa we take a holistic approach to leishmaniasis including prevention, diagnosis, treatment and regular monitoringThe plan is adapted to the clinical situation and lifestyle of each animal.
Benivet Benissa - Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa -
M-F 9:30-18:30 - S 10:00-13:00
The leishmaniasis in dogs is a serious disease caused by the parasite Leishmania infantumtransmitted by the bite of the phlebotomine sandfly. Without proper treatment it can be fatal, but with early diagnosis and a care plan it is possible to ensure the animal's quality of life.
At Benivet Benissa we are specialists in the prevention and management of canine leishmaniasisThe company offers a holistic approach combining vaccination, deworming and regular check-ups.
The main preventive measures include:
VaccinationStrengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of infection.
Anti-parasite collars and pipettesprotect from the bite of the mosquito that transmits the disease.
Preventive habitsAvoid walks at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
In the case of a positive diagnosis, our veterinary team designs personalised treatmentsThis may include oral or injectable medication, along with specific care to alleviate symptoms and boost the immune system. This protocol is complemented by our areas of internal medicine y veterinary check-upThe disease is controlled in a holistic manner.
Leishmaniasis requires a preventive approach and proper veterinary monitoring to detect the disease early and maintain the dog's quality of life.
A positive result indicates that signs of infection or contact with Leishmania, but this does not always mean that the dog has an active clinical disease. Some infected animals may appear healthy, whilst others show symptoms or abnormalities in their test results.
For this reason, a test result must be interpreted in conjunction with the veterinary examination, the symptoms, the antibody level and any possible abnormalities in organs such as the kidneys. LeishVet’s recommendations distinguish between infection and clinical disease, and point out that a single test result may require further testing to assess each case correctly.
The next step depends on the dog’s general condition and the type of test carried out. The assessment may include:
Review of symptoms and medical history: Let’s start with a veterinary practice in Benissa to assess weight loss, skin lesions, lethargy, eye abnormalities, nosebleeds or other possible signs.
Assessment of general condition: a blood tests It enables the analysis of haematological and biochemical parameters and allows us to check for any associated abnormalities.
Monitoring of kidney function: on urinalysis It helps to identify changes that may affect treatment, follow-up and prognosis.
Confirmation or extension of the study: Depending on the initial result, the patient’s symptoms and medical history, it may be necessary to repeat the test or request further investigations.
Clinical status classification: Not all dogs that test positive require the same management. Treatment and the frequency of check-ups are tailored to the severity of the condition and the progress of each patient.
Personalised support: Where there is a clinical condition or organ involvement, we coordinate the management from the veterinary internal medicine.
Not necessarily. The decision should not be based solely on a positive test result. Some dogs may need treatment, whilst others require confirmation, regular check-ups and monitoring for any clinical or laboratory changes.
Even when a dog is already infected, it is important to ensure it remains adequately protected against sand fly bites. We can review its plan for veterinary deworming and assess which preventive measures are appropriate for their situation. LeishVet recommends continuing to use repellent on infected dogs as well, to reduce their exposure to further bites.
If your dog has tested positive or you need a second opinion, please bring any previous reports and test results so that we can review the full case.
Book an appointment for a diagnosis or follow-up for leishmaniasis by calling +34 622 325 271.
Benivet Benissa
Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa
Monday to Friday: 09:30–18:30
Saturdays: 10.00–13.00
The leishmaniasis requires an orderly approach: assess symptoms, confirm infection and measure the impact on organs (especially kidney and liver) in order to choose the appropriate treatment and follow-up. At Benivet Benissa, after the examination, we recommend the following tests only when they provide useful information:
Veterinary practice in BenissaMedical history (travel, risk by area/endemic), complete examination and prioritisation of the plan.
Blood testsThe basis for diagnosis and follow-up (general condition, inflammation and, above all, assessment of organic involvement).
UrinalysisThe key to assessing renal function and detecting alterations that condition prognosis and treatment.
Microscopy and cytologyin selected cases (e.g. skin lesions or lymph nodes) to complete the study when needed.
If skin lesions, itchiness or alopecia predominate, we also coordinate with veterinary dermatology to treat skin complications.
For prevention in endemic areas, we reviewed the preventive plan with veterinary deworming (protection against sandflies) and, if appropriate to the timetable and risk, with veterinary vaccination.
If the case requires long-term monitoring or follow-up of organs, we coordinate it from veterinary internal medicine. And if the patient is unstable or in need of fluid therapy/monitoring, we can rely on veterinary hospitalisation.
👉 If you want an assessment or a control test, request an appointment here or call +34 622 325 271.
According to the DGT, when travelling with your pet in the car, you must place a separator to prevent your pet from distracting you and
Only a veterinarian can assess the health status of the animals, taking also into account other circumstances such as the type of
Domestic or companion animals, particularly those belonging to the canine species, shall also be classified as potentially dangerous,
Here is our timetable
The prevention, diagnosis and monitoring of leishmaniasis are supported by other services offered by the clinic, depending on the risk and the individual dog’s circumstances.
To assess symptoms consistent with leishmaniasis, such as weight loss, skin lesions or lethargy.
Regular check-ups that include screening for leishmaniasis and enable the disease to be detected at an early stage.
The leishmaniasis vaccine may form part of the preventative plan, depending on each dog’s risk.
Protection against sand flies is coordinated with the rest of the antiparasitic treatment regimen.
Essential for the screening, diagnosis and monitoring of the disease and its treatment.
Follow-up of dogs diagnosed with the condition, monitoring their clinical progress and any potential complications.
Leishmaniasis is transmitted through the bite of the phlebotomusa small mosquito that is very common in warm areas such as the Costa Blanca. It is not spread directly between dogs or from dogs to people; the insect vector is always involved. Prevention is essential to avoid the disease.
The signs can be very varied: weight lossSome dogs have mild symptoms for months, so regular check-ups are key to detecting it early. Some dogs have mild symptoms for months, so regular check-ups are key to early detection.
The diagnosis is based on blood testsWe recommend a clinical assessment and, if necessary, complementary tests such as cytology or specific profiles to assess the renal and hepatic status. We also recommend performing annual testeven if the dog is protected, for early detection.
Leishmaniasis is often not completely curedHowever, with proper treatment, most dogs can live a long and stable life. The aim is to control the disease, reduce symptoms and monitor for relapses through regular check-ups.
Prevention combines several methods:
Repellent collars and pipettes specific
Vaccination against leishmaniasis
Avoid walks at dawn and dusk.when the phlebotomine sandfly is most active
Use of mosquito nets or avoidance of damp and wooded areas in risk months.
Your vet will advise you on the best combination according to your lifestyle.
Although it is much less common than in dogs, cats can also become infected. They are generally more resistant, but may develop skin or eye symptoms. It is advisable to protect them in endemic areas and to consult if suspicious lesions appear.
Do you have any doubts about care, treatment or prevention for your pet? Consult our section of Frequently Asked Questions where we solve the most common queries about dogs and cats.
