June 11, 2026, 9:59 am | Read time: 3 minutes
As summer travel season begins, many dog owners plan their vacations abroad. A vacation with a dog at the Mediterranean sounds like a relaxing getaway for many–but it can pose health risks. Veterinarian Dr. Ingo Schäfer warns in a social media post about tiny carriers that can trigger dangerous diseases–and often go unnoticed for a long time. PETBOOK author Manuela Lieflaender spoke with the veterinarian about the often underestimated risk.
What Dangers Lurk on Vacation
Vacationing with a dog at the Mediterranean is a bad idea, according to veterinarian Dr. Ingo Schäfer. He explains: “Dogs from Central and Northern Europe can become infected with many diseases in Mediterranean regions.”
But why are popular vacation destinations like Spain, Italy, Croatia, or Greece so dangerous for our dogs? Dr. Ingo Schäfer responds: “Their immune system is not prepared for it because these pathogens do not (yet) exist in Germany.”
Leishmaniasis–The Underestimated Vacation Risk
We’re talking about sand flies and mosquitoes, which are native to the Mediterranean region and are spreading north due to climate change. They transmit diseases like leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is a typical “Mediterranean disease” that can affect dogs, especially during vacations in southern countries. It is caused by bites from sand flies.
Leishmaniasis can cause the following symptoms:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Hair loss
- Loss of appetite
- Skin changes at the bite site
The symptoms are very diverse, often difficult to pinpoint, and can even be fatal. Even if dogs are adequately protected against ticks and mosquitoes, it’s not enough. No product offers 100 percent protection.
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What Dog Owners Should Consider for a Mediterranean Vacation
If you’ve already planned your Mediterranean vacation and must bring your dog, Dr. Ingo Schäfer has specific tips:
- Use protective products against mosquitoes, sand flies, and ticks found in the vacation region–these are almost always spot-on treatments.
- Avoid walking or leaving the dog outside at dusk or early morning, as sand flies and mosquitoes are particularly active during these times.
- Do not leave water containers outside the vacation home, cover standing water, and do not leave trash lying around.
- Ensure window screens are in place.
- Avoid damp basement areas.
However, even with these precautions, a residual risk remains, warns the veterinarian. Complete protection is not possible.
Also interesting: Vacationing with a Dog–Equipment, Vaccinations, Travel Pharmacy
Do Owners Need to Protect Their Dogs from Sand Flies in Hotels?
For hotel vacationers, Ingo Schäfer advises: “In any case, choose a hotel room higher than the first floor to avoid sand fly bites in leishmaniasis areas. Definitely turn on the ceiling fan, as it disrupts the sand flies’ orientation.”
Dr. Ingo Schäfer also has a tip for restaurant visits: “Do not let your dog sleep under the table in the restaurant. Sand flies only target dogs that have not moved for a while. So, definitely do not let the dog sleep under the table at dusk.”
The crucial point, however, why veterinarian Ingo Schäfer advises against traveling with a dog to the Mediterranean is: “Once the dog is infected, it remains infected with many pathogens for life. You should consider whether it’s worth it or if you should leave the pet in a kennel or with friends during the vacation period.” The best prevention is not to take the dog or cat along at all.