Giardia in Dogs

Does your dog keep getting diarrhea even though the food is right? Mucousy or bloody stool, abdominal cramps, weight loss? Then giardia could be behind it. Puppies are especially affected. The treatment only takes a few days, but without strict hygiene the parasites come back.

What are giardia?

Giardia hold onto the intestinal wall with suction cups and feed on the nutrients the dog is supposed to absorb. They multiply quickly and shed cysts that survive in feces: even for months without a host.

Giardia can spread to humans (a zoonosis), especially to children and people with weakened immune systems.

Routes of transmission

The parasites are spread through:

• Infected water (puddles, ponds)
• Contact with infected feces or objects
• Flies as an intermediate host
• Close contact between infected and healthy animals (especially in kennels)

Symptoms

Many dogs carry giardia without any complaints. In weakened animals such as puppies, older dogs, or sick dogs, you may see:

• Diarrhea (bloody or mucousy, several times a day)
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Bloating
• Pale stool with a putrid smell
• Weight loss despite a normal amount of food
• Weakness and lethargy

Because the giardia intercept nutrients, the dog loses weight even though he eats just as much as before. In puppies during their growth phase, this can lead to growth disorders.

Diagnosis

A clear diagnosis is only possible through a lab test: the stool is examined under a microscope. Bring stool samples from at least 3 consecutive days, since cysts aren't shed in every sample.

If there's blood in the diarrhea or weight loss, see the vet right away.

Treatment

The vet prescribes antiparasitics: possible active ingredients are metronidazole, fenbendazole, febantel, or albendazole. Treatment takes 3–5 days depending on the ingredient. With a high parasite load, a repeat round of treatment may be necessary.

Medication alone isn't enough: at the same time, you have to keep up consistent hygiene.

Consistent hygiene

Giardia cysts can survive for months and contaminate your entire home.

Cleaning:

• Wash toys, blankets, and pillows at 90 °C with a disinfecting detergent
• Clean bowls and beds with hot water
• Clean resting surfaces and tiles with hot water or steam
• Dry everything thoroughly: giardia prefer moisture
• Use special disinfectants made for giardia

Disposing of feces:

• Bag feces immediately, seal it, and throw it in the trash
• Wear rubber or latex gloves while doing it
• In the yard, sprinkle affected spots with lime

Hygiene for the dog:

• Clean the anal area thoroughly every day
• Wash more often with dog shampoo
• Hourly potty walks reduce accidents in the home

Diet during giardiasis

Carbohydrates demonstrably make the symptoms worse. Feed a low-carb diet with more protein. Avoid foods that cause bloating.

A Moro carrot soup can support recovery. After the infection, the digestive system is irritated: bland food helps stabilize the stomach and intestines again.

Prevention

• Don't let your dog drink water from puddles, ponds, or other sources
• Don't let your dog eat other dogs' feces
• With several animals in the household, pay extra attention to hygiene
• Regular stool checks at the vet, especially after trips abroad

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