Need advice on how to protect our dogs from leishmanios

Our growing puppy that we acquired here a few months ago has just had his first injection, he will need two more boosters in the coming weeks. He also wears a collar. The way our vet here explains it, the collar will discourage bites while the injections serve to stimulate the immune system to fight off trouble if he is bitten anyway. The vet says neither means of prevention is foolproof, but they are more effective when used together. 

Hi, it partly depends on the size of the dog. We  have 4 Spanish mastins, 2 over 50kg, 2 nearly 40kg and we have 2 on the vaccinations whilst the other 2 are on Advantix. We can't use the collars as mastins play rough and the collars would be broken in the first day. We get them checked yearly just in case so if they have contracted it, it will be in the early stages so can be easily treated. Your vet will help sort things out.

Good luck when you come over, we have been living here three and a half years and love it.

Best wishes,

Tony and Karen.

Hi, thank you for your advice. Our dogs are only 6 kg. I just want the absolute best for them and to protect them as much as I possibly can so it seems like the vaccinations is the way to go to give them extra protection. Do you have fly screen on all your Windows also? Thanks again :)

Thank you for the advice 

Hi,

Think you will find that fly/ mossie screens are essential on windows out here. Many, including ourselves, have Fly free zones as well.

Many.suppliers of same but personally would only recommend Mark of Screens2fit (on Google Search I Think).

Best wishes for the.move.

Dr. Bob and Sandra

Mojacar Playa and Puerto Lumbreras

Thanks so much for that, we have got a lot to learn so we are very grateful for your advice

We on here will always try to help & hopefully steer you away from the conmen who selectively target Brits, especially newbies.

You may also wish to join the original Arboleas Forum on www.arboleas.co.uk & it's numerous.vociferous posters many of.whom have been on the Albox area 20-30years. You post queries on General Chatter.

Be aware of the incidental dog poisoning locally; the result of poisoned baits put down by hunters wanting to protect the nests & chicks of Red Leg Partridge ( which they then shoot!!!!!!).

Also a current Police warning about Fake Gas Men/'Gas Inspectors.

Again. Our Best Regards,

Bob and Sandra

Mojacar Playa and Puerto Lumbreras

Danger times for walking pets is dawn & dusk when the sandflies are most prevalent.

These little black sandflies are the little things that you hardly see and most people do not realize how dangerous they are to dogs and humans!

Yes humans catch leishmania too, we have not been educated as its a fairly new discovery.

As you have been advised collars and injections for dogs help.

Bear in mind dusk and dawn when sandflies are active.

Research on the internet.

We have large fly killers on in the lounge kitchen and bedrooms. They are on all night. Cost me 100€.

They help to protect our dog and US!

The risk for not doing so could be unwittingly contracting this disease that incubates unknowingly for appx seven years before it starts putrefying your organs.

Yes, even friends ignore our advice thinking it will not happen to them and the 100€ investment is good ' bar money' instead. Their choice, not mine.

When you get over here have a word with your vet who will recommend preventative measures for your dog.

Also research sandflies on the internet for human risk.

Bear in mind mosquito blinds offer no protection as the average sandfly can pass through them, no bother.

When we researched Sandflies when we first came to Spain 7 years ago it was a new medical discovery, but scary.

When you learn the risks you can cope.

Hope this helps. Regards Al

Ps keep the fly killer spray handy especially at night. Use it when you see that tiny little black thing fly past your vision.

Morning all. Hope this isn' a daft question but are there Sand flies in areas with no sand? We leave the UK on Sunday and will be in Tijola by Tuesday. We have bought the collars for our 2 dogs as we were advised to but weren' t advised about vaccinations? Many thanks Mandy