Giardia is a common intestinal parasite that is spread through the poop of infected creature . Read up on the bare steps you may take to reduce your dog ’s risk of infection .
If your hot dog has diarrhea that just wo n’t go out , do n’t push aside it . It could be triggered by a common intestinal parasite called Giardia that is spread through the stern of infected beast .
handling typically involves medication ( and thorough cleanup ) to disembarrass your deary and his environs of the parasite . And while there are n’t any preventatives available for Giardia in dogs , there are simple step you could take to trim back your dog ’s risk of contagion .
Daily Paws / Brie Goldman
What is Giardia?
Giardiaduodenalis(also calledGiardia intestinalisandGiardia lamblia ) is a flyspeck , single - celled parasite that usually infect the intestines of dog . concord to theCompanion Animal Parasite Council(CAPC ) , here ’s how transmission works :
chip in how Giardia is transmitted , it ’s not surprising that study have found anincreased rate of infectionamong domestic dog who visit dog parks .
Can People Get Giardia?
Paul Diehl , DVM , ofKansas City Veterinary Carein Kansas City , Mo. , explains that Giardia is a zoonotic leech , signify it can be channel to humans . " This is one of the reasons why hoi polloi are discouraged from drinking water from brook , streams , and river , " he continues . " If an infected animal defecates near [ the urine source ] , the parasite cysts in their poop can make their way into the water and taint anyone who swallows them . "
sound pretty unadulterated , right ? We tally . But if you ’re apprehensive about contract Giardia from your dog , theCompanion Animal Parasite Councilsays humans are much more likely to get the leech from other humans and that there is little evidence for direct transmission between dogs and the great unwashed .
What Are the Symptoms of Giardia in Dogs?
Many detent infected with the sponge wo n’t show any outbound polarity of infection . When Giardia does induce disease , it ’s make out as giardiasis . Persistent looseness is themost usual sign of giardiasis , but if go forth untreated for a retentive fourth dimension , weightiness loss and even end can occur .
" Giardia often do very watery diarrhea , so any animal that ’s experiencing diarrhea after being expose to wildlife should be suspect to have the leech , " Diehl says .
Diagnosis involves using either a microscope to examine the dog ’s poop for Giardia , or an enzyme - linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA ) test to ascertain if the poop check antigens ( protein ) that are present on the parasite .
How is Giardia in Dogs Treated?
If your dog-iron is treat for Giardia , it ’s important that you pick up and dispose of your pet ’s shit as soon as potential to diminish the likelihood of distribute more infectious vesicle . On the last day of treatment , you ’ll need to give your bounder a bath to remove any cysts that might be stuck to his pelt , since re - contagion is potential if any are still hang around . You ’ll also require to steam - neat or disinfect your darling ’s environment — including bedding , carpets , and furniture that he care to lie on .
Is It Possible to Prevent Giardia?
Unfortunately , there are n’t any preventative medicine available for Giardia in dogs . However , there are things you’re able to to reduce your dog ’s endangerment of infection and reinfection . Diehl recommend remove your weenie ’s poop from the 1000 as shortly as possible and keep him from wassail out of potentially contaminate water source .
" I also recommend bathing click after they float in pond and lakes , " he adds . " This will wash off sponger that may be stuck in the brute ’s fur before the pawl licks it and develop an infection . "
What’s the Prognosis after Giardia?
andiron with giardiasis typically respond well to intervention and do n’t ache long-lasting effects from the infection . However , geriatric andiron and dogs with wellness issues in addition to giardiasis are more at peril for serious problems , include dying .
If your domestic dog ’s bathroom habits have you concerned that he may have piece up a parasite , do n’t waffle to reach out to your pet ’s veterinary team . They can help you determine if your dog ask to be check in the clinic . Your veterinarian is also the perfect author for more specific tips on how to avoid the sponger in your area .
