Giardia is a type of parasite and the actual infection from the parasite is known scientifically as giardiasis. The parasite that causes this condition is shed in cysts through an infected animal’s feces, which allows the cysts to come into contact with the surrounding environment.
Giardia cysts can be transmitted to animals who simply sniff the dirt or feces where the parasite is present. It can also be transmitted through drinking infected water.
This parasite is extremely contagious. Since it is able to be transmitted to healthy animals from the moment it leaves an infected animal’s body through feces, it is widely present in situations where many dogs can be found at once. Dog parks, kennels, and vet offices are common places where giardia may be picked up.Giardia can also be spread easily between pets living in the same household. If you have one dog who becomes infected, chances are good your other dogs will quickly pick up this parasite as well. It can be spread through licking, playing, sharing food bowls, sharing water, and even just walking in the same areas.
The most common symptom of an active giardia infection is watery diarrhea. The diarrhea may be greenish or yellow in color, or it might be brown, but it is always going to be liquid. There may sometimes be blood present in a dog’s stool as a result of giardia as well.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to resolve diarrhea and other clinical signs. Dogs without symptoms may not require treatment.
Medication - Fenbendazole is a common deworming medication used to treat Giardia. Another treatment option is an antibiotic called metronidazole. Your veterinarian may also use the two medications in combination.
Diet - Your veterinarian may prescribe a diet that supports digestive health to help resolve diarrhea.
Bathing - Dogs should be fully bathed on the last day of treatment to remove fecal material and any remaining Giardia cysts in the dog’s fur.
Cleaning - Common household disinfectants and steam-cleaning are the most effective ways for killing Giardia cysts indoors.
Some dogs who are carriers of giardia do not show symptoms at all. If a dog is infected as a puppy, he may remain sick periodically with diarrhea until he is fully grown, at which time his immune system can more easily fight off the giardia.
Prevention
Practice good hand hygiene
Disinfect the environment
Dispose of feces promptly
Bathe the dog at the end of treatment to reduce the spread of Giardia cysts
Prevent dogs from ingesting potentially contaminated water, food or soil
Giardia is not a fatal condition, except in very young puppies or very old senior dogs. In these cases, the amount of diarrhea caused by the parasite may lead to dehydration very quickly, which can be fatal for dogs whose immune systems are compromised or have not fully formed yet.
Although the condition is not fatal, it can make your dog feel lethargic and unhappy, and he may feel some pain or nausea from the infection as well. For this reason, you should still take him to the vet for the right treatment to help him get back to normal.
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