Antalya's mild Mediterranean climate is, unfortunately, also a paradise for dangerous parasites such as fleas, ticks and leishmania. Protecting your dog requires year-round attention.
Main parasite types
External parasites
- Fleas — itching, skin infection, tapeworm carrier
- Ticks — carry Babesia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Borrelia (Lyme)
- Sand fly — the most critical parasite carrying leishmania in Antalya
- Mange mites — intense itching, hair loss
Internal parasites
- Roundworms (Toxocara)
- Tapeworms (Taenia, Dipylidium)
- Hookworm (Ancylostoma)
- Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) — transmitted by mosquitoes
Special focus: leishmania
Antalya is an endemic region for leishmania. The disease is transmitted via sand fly bites and can be fatal in dogs. Even in treated cases, the parasite cannot be eliminated entirely.
Prevention:
- Leishmania vaccine (CaniLeish / Letifend) — from 4 months of age
- Sand fly repellent collars (Scalibor, Seresto)
- Minimise outdoor time between dusk and dawn
3 main methods of parasite protection
1) Spot-on (nape drops)
- Pros: monthly application, suitable for all breeds
- Cons: no bathing for 24 hours after application
- Examples: Frontline, Advantix, Advocate
2) Tablet (oral)
- Pros: no bathing restriction, fast-acting (4 hours)
- Cons: some dogs experience nausea
- Examples: Bravecto (12 weeks), NexGard (monthly)
3) Collar
- Pros: 4-8 months of activity
- Cons: a special collar is needed for sand flies (Scalibor)
- Examples: Seresto, Scalibor
Recommended protection schedule
| Season | Priority |
|---|---|
| Spring-Summer | Tick + flea + leishmania (full protection) |
| Autumn | Tick + flea (continue) |
| Winter | Especially in Antalya's mild climate — protection still recommended |
In addition, deworming every 3 months (Drontal, Milbemax) is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
I found a tick on my dog — what do I do?
Never crush a tick with your fingers. Use a special tick remover close to the skin and pull straight out. Disinfect the area and watch your dog for fever, lethargy or limping for 1-2 weeks. Have blood work done if needed.
My dog is vaccinated — do I still need parasite protection?
Absolutely. Vaccines protect against viruses; parasite protection is entirely separate. Both are necessary.
Can people catch parasites from dogs?
Yes — some parasites (Toxocara, Echinococcus, Leptospira) are zoonotic (can pass to humans). Regular parasite protection is therefore important for both your pet and your family.
To build an up-to-date parasite prevention plan, book an examination: 0551 892 99 62
