Leishmaniasis: The Hidden Threat Facing Stray Dogs
For many stray dogs, the dangers of the street are obvious hunger, road accidents, and untreated injuries. But there is another, quieter threat that is just as deadly: canine leishmaniasis.
This parasitic disease, spread by the bite of infected sandflies, is one of the greatest health challenges facing stray dogs in Mediterranean regions, the Middle East, and parts of South America
What is Leishmaniasis?
Leishmaniasis is caused by a tiny parasite, Leishmania infantum, which lives inside the dog’s body once transmitted through a sandfly bite. Unlike some illnesses, it does not pass from dog to dog directly, but through the insect vector. The parasite can remain hidden for months or even years before symptoms begin to show, making early detection very difficult.
Why Stray Dogs Are So Vulnerable
Stray dogs are at the highest risk of leishmaniasis for several reasons:
No protection – Unlike pets, they don’t have access to preventive collars or repellents that keep sandflies at bay.
Weak immune systems – Malnutrition and other infections leave their bodies less able to fight the parasite.
Constant exposure – Living outdoors, often near breeding grounds like rubbish sites or stagnant water, makes them easy targets for sandflies.
By the time they are rescued, many dogs already carry the infection — often without anyone knowing until symptoms emerge.
The Symptoms of Leishmaniasis
The signs of leishmaniasis can vary widely, but some of the most common include:
Skin problems – hair loss, sores, scaling skin, or bleeding around the nose.
Weight loss – even when the dog eats normally.
Enlarged lymph nodes – often mistaken for other illnesses.
Kidney damage – one of the most serious consequences, which can be fatal.
Left untreated, leishmaniasis is progressive and almost always deadly.
Can Leishmaniasis Be Treated?
Yes but treatment is complicated and expensive. Medication can control the disease and give a dog many more years of good life, but it rarely eliminates the parasite completely. This means ongoing monitoring, regular blood tests, and lifelong management are essential. For overwhelmed shelters with limited resources, this is an enormous challenge.
Prevention is the Key
For stray populations, prevention is far more effective than treatment. Protecting dogs requires:
Sandfly control – reducing breeding grounds and using insecticidal collars.
Vaccination – available in some countries, though costly.
Education and awareness – helping communities understand that leishmaniasis is not only an animal welfare issue but also a human health concern, since the disease can affect people too.
Why This Matters
Leishmaniasis is one of the greatest hidden threats to stray dogs. It causes immense suffering, shortens lives, and places a heavy burden on rescue organisations trying to help. Yet, with awareness, prevention, and support, it is possible to reduce the impact of this devastating disease.
Every collar fitted, every vaccination delivered, and every rescue supported brings us closer to a future where dogs no longer have to suffer silently from leishmaniasis.