How to Treat Dogs With Giardia

Giardia is a parasite that contracted by drinking contaminated water or coming in contact with the feces of a contaminated dog. The giardia inhabits the small intestines where they reproduce and develop into a dormant cyst that can survive in the outside environment until it finds a new host. Many dogs with giardia have no symptoms, but some dogs have loose, gray stool and weight loss. Without treatment, giardia may remain in your dog’s system for months.

Instructions

Treating Giardia

1


Visit your veterinarian to obtain a dewormer, such as fenbendazole. This will usually come in a pill form and require two treatments several weeks apart. There is no pill specifically for giardia, but veterinarians report that dewormers are effective in removing parasites. If the first treatment doesn’t relieve symptoms, a different medication may be recommended.




2





Treat all dogs in the house if you have more than one dog. Giardia passes through the environment, such as infected feces, so other dogs may contract it.




3





Clean all feces immediately. Treat dog runs with quaternary ammonium compounds, as well as disinfectant, ammonia and bleach, and soak for 20 minutes before rinsing off. Keep dogs off contaminated grassy areas for at least one month. Steam clean carpets and thoroughly clean each area your dog has access to.




4





Change water regularly and don’t allow dogs to share water bowls until treatment is complete.




5





Wash all dogs thoroughly with warm, soapy water as cysts can cling to the dogs. Disinfect the cleaning area once completed.