Giardia in Dogs Symptoms Care and Treatment

Canine giardia is a parasite primarily found in standing water, lakes and streams.  A single cell parasite encased in a protective cyst passes from an infected dog through the feces.  Surfaces that the feces touch become infected.  When dogs lick these surfaces, or drink from contaminated water, the cysts enter the body, where the protozoa leave the cyst and attach themselves to the walls of the intestines.  The infection primarily causes symptoms in puppies and older dogs.

Dog Giardia Symptoms

Most dogs infected with giardia will be asymptomatic, meaning that they will show no clinical symptoms.  The only sign of gi

Image via Wikipedia

ardia will be cysts shed in the feces.  In this case, the problem will only be diagnosed during routine care such as a fecal exam as part of a checkup. In dogs that show symptoms, the primary sign is persistent diarrhea that doesn’t seem to go away.  Giardia is the cause of 15% of diarrhea cases.  Other symptoms including vomiting, weight loss as the infection grows and steals nutrients from the body and lethargy.  It is rare to see a bloody dog stool.

Canine Giardia Treatment

There are several prescription medications available to treat giardiasis.  The most commonly used medications are Fenbendazole and Febantel.  These are generally safe and without side effects. The medication Metronidazole (Flagyl) is also used, however it can have some side effects in some dogs, which is why it is often a second choice.  In addition to prescription medications, during recovery and to reduce the change of future outbreaks, a homeopathic such as Parasite Dr. can be used to strengthen the dogs natural defenses against Parasites.  Giardia in dogs can cause death when causing clinical symptoms, so treatment is required.

To help restore digestive health after treatment with prescription medications have begun (3 to 7 days), a veterinarian might recommend adding fiber to the diet with a product like Natural Moves which contains the fiber Psyllium, and natural flora with a prebiotic/probiotic supplement.

After your dog has been diagnosed with giardia, be sure to bathe the dog to ensure that all cysts that may be trapped in the coat are removed.

Giardia Prevention

Giardia dog problems can be averted through improved hygiene.  For example, only provide your dog fresh drinking water when walking outdoors. If your dog is allowed to run free in a backyard and go to the bathroom at will, be sure to clean up frequently to avoid exposure to feces.  When visiting areas such as parks and dog runs, be aware of unhygienic conditions. Inspect kennels to ensure that proper sanitary conditions are maintained.

Can Dog Giardia be Transmitted to Humans?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, few direct animal-to-human outbreaks have been documented although linkages have been identified between canine and human transmission. It is more likely, although rare for human giardia to spread to dogs.  Cat giardia is also species specific, with no documentation supporting that it spread to other species.  That said, its’ a good idea to wear gloves when handling feces and to bag and dispose of any pet feces.

References

Treatment for Dog Giardia, Dog Health Guide

Symptoms of Dog Giardia, Dog Health Handbook

Giardia in Dogs

 To More Information on Dog Health

From Symptoms and Treatment of Giardia in Dogs to Pet Health Guide Home Page

Signs and symptoms of Giardiasis in Dogs

Living inside the small intestine of house animals, Giardia are protozoa which can be found through the entire United States as well as in most other regions around the world. An infection with Giardia is proven to be ‘Giardiasis’. Usually, several experts they think an infection with Giardia is normal but disease is lovely rare.

The truth is there are many things that we don’t have knowledge of concerning the parasite including the few of distinct species you can find to do which of these species strikes each of our family pets. The life cycle who knew known and veterinarians discord on route frequent Giardia infections are and additionally they must be treated.

Do you know the clinical symptoms normally expected infection?

When Giardia trophozoites split to manufacture a significant population, chances are they’ll for you to avoid the accurate absorption of nutrients when the intestine, harm the damaged intestinal lining, and affect digestive function. In case a dog doesn’t have solid immune system, then a not able to fight the infection. The intensity of the infection relies on the overall dog conditioning center.

The majority of infections with Giardia are asymptomatic. Along with this rare circumstances where disease takes place, younger animals tend just to be affected, and the typical indication is actually slight repeating diarrhea derived from soft, light-colored stools. Involved with serious cases, there is a severe Explosive Diarrhea. Furthermore, it has been either intermittent, or extented. The fecal material may be abnormal, being pale, having a bad odor, as stringent as looking greasy.

Typically the infected pets or animals will not likely lessen appetite, nonetheless they may get exercise. Additional symptoms related to try giardiasis are: listlessness, weariness, mucus within the waste, and anorexia. These kind of symptoms are often related to various other diseases with this intestines, and therefore are not really specific to giardiasis. Types symptoms begin about one week post-infection, along with the to start of cyst shedding,

Further signs and symptoms of significant intestinal irritability may happen, including straining as well as very little blood within the waste materials. Commonly the blood picture of affected animals is transparent, nevertheless sometimes there is a moderate boost in the quantity of white blood cells along with moderate anemia. With maybe treatment, the condition will go on, often chronically in conjunction with intermittently, for several when it’s or months.

How one can make sure my dog has contracted Giardia?

The diagnosis of Giardiasis only works by means of fecal sample using a Vet or via intellectual evaluation of clinical findings and the breeder/owner or the Veterinary clinic. Via fecal sample is difficult. Even whenever a flare is within it’s worst, the cysts will not be shedding debts stool. Consequently, a negative report doesn’t necessarily exclude giardia. By far the most comprehensive method to examine is always to collect a sample coming from collectively stool generated for forty-eight to 72 hours and enquire of a Vet to examine it while using the giardia test kit. Test is a monoclonal antibody-based ELISA for the rapid detection of Giardia lamblia nodule antigen in stool specimens.

In contrast to a third party parasitic organisms which invade our domestic pets, Giardia may also infect Humans and may be taken very seriously if diagnosed with the veterinary. Many experts have noticed the very fact as low as 10 cysts may cause disease in humans.

.

Giardia in Dogs | Giardia Symptoms

Background:

Giardia is a protozoan bug that can affect all mammals. As such, it is called a “zoonotic disease” because human beings can be affected as well as domestic pets. It is a common cause of diarrhea in dogs; especially puppies and young adults.

Contaminated water is the classical source of a Giardia infection. After having been swallowed, the cyst shell is digested away, freeing the two trophozoites who go and attach to the intestinal lining. The troph has a structure called a ventral disc, which is sort of like a suction cup, and this is used to stay attached to the intestine. If the troph wants to move to another spot, it lifts itself up and swims to a new spot via its flagella (trophs tend to live in different intestinal areas in different host species, depending on the host’s diet). If the host has diarrhea, trophs are shed in the diarrhea, but Giardia may also form cysts within the host in preparation to be shed.  Either form can be found in fresh stool. After infection, it takes 5 to 12 days in dogs or 5 to 16 days in cats for Giardia to be found in the host’s stool. Diarrhea can precede the shedding of the Giardia.  Infection is more common in kennel situations where animals are housed in groups.

Symptoms:

• Blood in Stool


• Dark, Tarry Stool


• Diarrhea


• Flatulence, gas, farting


• Increased frequency of bowel movements


• Mucus in stool


• Painful abdomen


• Straining to pass stool

Diagnosis

• Fecal Parasite test : A fresh stool sample is used in fecal flotation testing methods used to detect Giardia. Traditionally, a fecal sample is mixed in a salt or sugar solution such that any parasite eggs present will float to the top within 10 to15 minutes.


• ELISA test kit : A fecal sample is tested immunologically for Giardia proteins. This method has dramatically improved the ability to detect Giardia infections and the test can be completed in just a few minutes while the owner waits.*Giardia shed organisms intermittently and may be difficult to detect. Sometimes pets must be retested in order to find an infection.

Treatment

A broad spectrum dewormer called fenbendazole (Panacur) seems to be the most reliable treatment at this time. Metronidazole (Flagyl) in relatively high doses has been a classical treatment for Giardia. The high doses required to treat Giardia also have been known to result in temporary neurologic side effects or upset stomach. For some resistant cases, both medications are used concurrently. The ELISA test for Giardia should go negative within 2 weeks of treatment indicating success. Because cysts can stick to the fur of the infected patient and be a source for re-infection, the positive animal should receive a bath at least once in the course of treatment. Not all patients with Giardia actually have diarrhea but because Giardia is the most common intestinal parasite affecting humans in North America, treatment is generally recommended for the pet testing positive even if no symptoms are being shown. The idea is to reduce human exposure.

Prevention

Vaccination: A Giardia vaccine made by Fort Dodge Animal Health is on the market but it is not intended to prevent infection in the vaccinated animal.  Instead the vaccine is licensed as an adjunct to treatment and is used to reduce the shedding of cysts by the vaccinated patient.  This would be helpful in a kennel situation that is trying to reduce environmental contamination during an outbreak or where an animal keeps getting reinfected, but it is not helpful to the average dog whose owner wants to simply prevent infection. The 2006 American Animal Hospital Association Guidelines list this vaccine as “not recommended.”

Environmental Decontamination The most readily available effective disinfectant is probably bleach diluted 1:32 in water, which in one study required less than one minute of contact to kill Giardia cysts. Organic matter such as dirt or stool is protective to the cyst, so on a concrete surface basic cleaning should be effected prior to disinfection. Animals should be thoroughly bathed before being reintroduced into a “clean” area. A properly chlorinated swimming pool should not be able to become contaminated.  As for areas with lawn or plants, decontamination will not be possible without killing the plants and allowing the area to dry out in direct sunlight.

Share this:

17
NOV

Share

Related Posts

Giardia Symptoms for Dogs

Giardia is a type of parasite that can affect dogs. Giardia thrives on the dog’s intestines, allowing trophozoites to multiply within the body. Trophozoites can thrive in the host for years without proper diagnosis, making it even more necessary for owners to watch for symptoms of the parasite.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms associated with giardia because the parasite primarily infects the intestines. The resulting diarrhea can be chronic, intermittent or acute depending on the severity of the infection and the body’s reaction. Diarrhea occurs because the dog’s body is attempting to expel the parasite and whatever else is causing unrest in the intestinal tract.

Vomiting

Vomiting is another way that the dog will naturally respond to irritation in the intestinal tract. The dog may vomit on its own, or may develop an interest in eating grass and other outdoor plants that can induce vomiting. Vomiting is an indication that something is upsetting the intestinal tract and the body is naturally reacting to expel the offending irritant.

Weight Loss

The dog may appear to be eating and drinking normally, yet still lose weight despite no changes in appetite. Weight loss is a common symptom in dogs suffering from giardia because of the upset that this parasite creates in the intestinal tract. Giardia prevents the proper absorption of nutrients, interfering with proper digestion and causing difficulty maintaining normal weight as a result.

Behavioral Changes

Behavioral changes are common in dogs suffering from giardia. The dog may appear listless, lethargic or depressed. Changes in behavior are an indicator that something is not right with the dog’s health, but may not directly point to giardia. Owners should consult a veterinarian for a general examination and testing when a dog exhibits changes in behavior.

Changes in Feces

Changes in the appearance, texture and consistency of the feces can also indicate a parasitic infection due to giardia. The feces may appear fatty and grayish. These changes, in combination with unexplained weight loss, are indicators of upset within the intestinal tract caused by a giardia infection or a similar parasitic issue.

Giardia in Dogs Symptoms

Giardia are protozoans, tiny, one-celled parasitic life forms that can cause severe illness in dogs. These microorganisms cause giardia infection in the dog’s digestive system, which is called Giardiasis. Like many other parasitic infections, this infection is also characterized by microorganisms infiltrating the dog’s systems in order to survive. The dog gets infected by this infection by eating the cyst form (inactive form) of this parasite which commonly resides in the contaminated water and feces. Once ingested, the cyst opens in the intestine and releases its active form called trophozoite, which has flagella, hair-like structures that whip back and forth enabling them to move around. Trophozoite attaches itself to the intestinal wall and reproduce by dividing in two. After an unknown number of divisions, at an unknown location, this form grows a wall around itself called encysts, which gets passed through the feces. If the dog is healthy i.e. has a strong immune system, the trophozoites may survive in the lower digestive tract for a few years. But if the dog has a weak or overburdened immune system, the trophozoites may thrive well and will continue to multiply by dividing and will eventually cause this debilitating disease. Hence, giardia in the dog’s feces contaminate the environment and water, which can even lead to infections in other animals and in humans too.

Symptoms of Giardia in Dogs

During the initial stages, Giardia symptoms are not detected as most of the time, the parasites penetrate into the dog’s body and remain inactive in the intestine for long periods of time. In fact, sometimes it takes really long to detect their presence even after their activation period has started.

• 
  Vomiting: Vomiting is the first observable symptom that can be seen in the infected dog. Frequent vomiting with some other gastointestinal problems are also diagnosed in the dog having giardiasis.



• 
  Fever: The infected dog may suffer fever that may persist for three or four days. In some cases, the dog may have recurring fever that may proceed into an increasingly sub-acute phase.



• 
  Loss of Appetite: Most of the infected dogs slowly lose interest in the food. This begins gradually, with the dog eating smaller quantities during the meals and eventually stops eating altogether.



• 
  Weight Loss: Due to poor eating habits, over a period of time the dog will exhibit substantial weight loss. Besides this, one can also observe secondary symptoms like malnutrition, lack of energy, and loss of fur.



• 
  Diarrhea: Of all other giardia in dogs symptoms, canine diarrhea is the most evident one. The feces of the sick dog will be watery, grease-like and highly pungent in odor. In some cases, the feces can also be accompanied by visible mucous deposits due to inadequate absorption of food.

Diagnosis of Giardia in Dogs
Giardiasis in dogs is difficult to diagnose since the protozoa are too small and are not passed with every stool. Therefore, series of stool samples (one stool sample each for three consecutive days) are usually required to detect the micro organism. Direct microscopic inspection of feces or fecal flotation test is done to detect the presence of the cysts and active trophozoites in them. Cysts are commonly found in firm stools, hence special solutions are used to separate and examine them microscopically. Nowadays, an advanced diagnostic test using ELISA technology is employed to have an accurate fecal examination. The test uses a very small fecal sample and can be performed within 8 minutes in a veterinarian’s clinic.

Treatment for Giardia in Dogs

Conventional treatment for giardia in dogs uses medications like Metronidazole (Flagyl), Fenbendazole, Albendazole, and Quanacrine. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is an old stand-by treatment for bacterial infestations that leads to diarrhea in dogs and is highly effective in curing giardiasis. However, it has some side effects including vomiting, anorexia, liver toxicity, and is teratogenic, i.e. can cause physical defects in embroys, hence can’t be given to pregnant animals. Fenbendazole has less side effects than Metronidazole and is also effective in treating canine giardia. Albendazole and Quanacrine are other two medications that help curing giardia in dogs but can cause anorexia, lethargy, and fever in them.

Besides these conventional medications, there are various natural remedies that can help overcome the symptoms, like grapefruit seed extract capsules or herbs like oregon grape and goldenseal. Since, giardia can also infect human beings, keeping the kennel and exercise areas clean, washing hands after cleaning dog runs or removing feces from yards are some preventive measures, that should be taken into consideration to avoid such health ailments.

Giardia Symptoms Dog

Giardia are tiny living organisms who are determined to make your dog’s life hell. They are protozoan parasites, which means they are simple, single-celled organisms. However, your dog may not experience any symptoms (giardia symptoms dog) because some dogs are carriers of the organisms, and so do not have problems or complications. However, most dogs who get giardia get sick and have giardia symptoms dog.

Like many organisms which spread diseases, Giardia organisms mature over time, going through stages. Although in other diseases, there is a time period between the organisms becoming active from its dormant stage, in giardia the cysts (the inactive form of giardia) open immediately and discharge trophozoite, the mobile form of giardia, upon ingestion. The cysts are inactive when found in faeces or contaminated water and feces. Trophozoites have a flagella (similar to a tail) which helps them to travel through the intestine. In a healthy dog, the trophozoites could live in the intestine for years, causing the dog to become a carrier. These dogs will show no symptoms at all unless their immune system becomes overburdened. If your dog’s immune system is immature or is overburdened when the trophozoites reach the intestines, the trophozoites will just carry on multiplying by the process of dividing and can cause this devastating disease.

Giardia treatment was non-existent, and not much was known about the disease, until an outbreak in the 1990s at a guide dog school caused a veterinarian, Dr. Maggie Fisher, to investigate further. She discovered the dog giardia symptoms and also treatment for them. From the symptoms she had discovered, Dr. Fisher also devised a diagnosis.

Diarrhoea is the foremost symptom you will notice in a giardia-infected dog. Stool (faeces) becomes light-coloured/grey and mucus may be found. The faeces will also be softer and greasy. You may also observe weight loss and fatigue. The dog will appear generally wearier.

Diagnosis is not simple, and involves sending stool samples to your vet for examination and tests. It is unlikely that a vet can diagnose giardia from observation of simples, although these may give him a hunch.

As ever, if you suspect that your dog may have giardia, contact your vet and let them know that your dog is showing giardia symptoms dog. Giardia is not life-threatening, but it is always essential to nip these things in the bud.

Incoming search terms:

• giardia symptoms in dogs


• symptoms of giardia in dogs


• giardia in dogs symptoms


• giardia dogs symptoms


• giardia symptoms dogs


• dog giardia symptoms


• giardia dog symptoms


• canine giardia symptoms


• dogs giardia symptoms


• giardia in puppies symptoms

Causes of Giardia in Dogs Symptoms Diagnosis and Treatment

“Contaminated water is one of the causes of giardia in dogs as well as general exposure in the environment such as exposure to contaminated surfaces in parks or even the dog’s food if that also becomes contaminated. The disease is caused by protozoa that are encased in a protective cyst that cannot be seen by the naked eye. The dog then ingests thesecysts, allowing one of three things to happen. Either the dog’s immune system will eliminate the protozoan from the body, or theprotozoaenter and multiply in the dog’s small intestine, allowing them to reproduce causing cysts to be shed in the dog’s feces, which can then infect other dogs. Most dogs show no symptoms (asymptomatic), but in those that do, symptoms develop in later states of the disease as the protozoa colonize in the intestines, feeding off the dog and preventing nutrients from being absorbed in to the body. The most common symptom of giardia in dogs is loose, but not watery diarrhea which is characterized by a foul odor and mucus. The dog diarrhea is often frequent and urgent. Other symptoms include gas, poor coat quality and vomiting. As the disease develops a dog will show weight loss and lethargy. Only a veterinarian can diagnose the problem. Treatment involves the use of prescription medications that help to combat parasites. Adding fiber to the diet and supportive Herbal remedies can help speed recovery. If not treated ,a dog can remain infected indefinitely. The dog’s home needs to be decontaminated with bleach.It is possible for giardia to be transmitted from dog to human, although this is uncommon, so use care when handling an infected pet.”

The most common causes of giardia in dogs is drinking from a
lake, pond or
stream that is contaminated with infected animal feces. The feces
contains a cyst or small sac
that enters the gastrointestinal tract of the dog.  The cysts
protect or encase Trophozoites which actually cause the condition.

Causes of Giardia in Dogs
are protozoa passed in the form of a cyst that are ingested by dogs
from feces in either contaminated water or when ingested
from the environment such as a
dog run or kennel.
Source: Centers
for Disease Control

The protozoa  divide in two rapidly and expand in number as
they feed on and take away nutrients from your
dog. The protozoa also produce harmful substances. Left untreated,
Giardia can damage the lining of the small intestine and cause scaring.
 Some of the Trophozoites will form new cysts, which pass out
of or are shed from the body, allowing the disease to spread.

The disease is sometimes called Beaver Fever since beavers are known
carriers of giardia. These are also the most commonly diagnosed
protozoa in humans.

Coccidia
is a similar parasite that affects the intestinal tract. Unlike the
causes of giardia in dogs from lakes and streams, coccidiosis is
contracted by eating feces directly.

Approximately 15% of dogs that have diarrhea and/or vomiting
suffer
from giardia.  In areas where there giardia is commonly found
(such as
areas with natural lakes and other waterways), approximately 6% to 11%
of dogs shed giardia cysts.  Shedding of giardia cysts is more
common in dogs under three years of age.

Symptoms of Giardia in Dogs

Giardia interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food.
As can be expected, when you don’t get the nutrients you need, you lose
weight and appear to have less energy.

Dogs with giardiasis may have no symptoms, as is the case in most dogs,
or diarrhea and vomiting.  In the majority of cases, blood is
not found in the dog’s feces. Diarrhea tends to
be bad smelling and very watery. Diarrhea may be bad or light and occur
frequently or far apart.

Diagnosis of Giardia in Dogs

Your veterinarian will either study a stool sample or take a swap and
wipe it at your dogs rectum. It is possible that the swap will not show
any causes of giardia in dogs, yet your dog still has the disease. Your
doctor will take 3 samples collected at least 2 days apart. There are
also new blood tests that can detect the disease (called ELISA or IFA).

The veterinarian will also need to differentiate giardia from
other illnesses that have similar symptoms such as inflammatory bowel
disease, pancreatic insufficiency, bacterial overgrowth and
immunodeficiency.

If giardia cysts are discovered during a routine examination
of feces, it is up to the veterinarian and dog owner as to whether or
not treatment is needed in dogs that are not showing any symptoms.

Treatment of Giardia in Dogs

The FDA has not approved any drugs for specific use against canine giardia. However, there are drugs commonly used by veterinarians which are highly effective in treating the infection as well as to stop the shedding of cysts in feces. The drugs Fenbendazole and Febantel are safe and effective in treating the disease and in eliminating shedding cysts. The drug metronidazole (trade name Flagyl)  is an alternative, but may have some side effects/toxicity, although positive include that it can be effective against other causes of diarrhea as well.

Albendazole is not routinely used until other medications are tried
since it can have more side effects.

A
complete list of dog giardia medications includes:

• Metronidazole (Flagyl®,25-30 mg/kg, 7 days)


• Fenbendazole (broad spectrum dewormer,  Panacur 50 mg/kg once daily, 3 days)



• Furazolidone (Neftin, 4 mg/kg, 10 days)



• Tinadazole (44 mg/kg once daily, 7 days)



• Albendazole (Valbazen, 25 mg/kg, 2 days)
  
  

Immunotherapy with the canine giardia vaccine may help
eliminate the shedding of cysts and diarrhea in dogs that already have
the disease.

One approach for treating giardiasis is to use Panacur for up
to 7 days (based on dog weight, check with your
veterinarian/manufacturers directions).  The medication is
taken orally mixed with food. This is followed by a gap of 2 weeks,
then another 7 days of treatment.  Panacur can be purchased on
line from Amazon.
 Important: Only use an anti-parasitic medication such as
Panacur if your dog has tested negative (does not have) heart worm.
 Dogs with heart worm can be harmed by using these types of
medication as it will kill the worms and cause heart failure. To help
protect your dog’s digestive system during treatment, it is a good idea
to use along with a probiotic
supplement.  

Supportive Treatment for Giardia in Dogs

Adding fiber to your dogs diet can help protect against the
causes of giardia in dogs and to help speed recovery.
 Fiber has the effect of helping to control symptoms such as
bacterial overgrowth and makes it more difficult for the giardia
protozoan to cling to the dogs intestines.  Several natural
remedies can provide added support in
addition to the medications prescribed by your veterinarian.
 These include Parasite
Dr. to help the body naturally eliminate parasites, Natural
Moves to restore bowel function and Digestive
Support to improve nutrient absorption that was disrupted by
the giardia.

Dogs do not acquire immunity to giardia after treatment, so they can
contract the disease again. There is a vaccine to prevent the disease.

Giardia Vaccine in Dogs

The giardia vaccine is considered a non-core vaccine, which
means that it is only used in special circumstances where there is a
higher risk of exposure to the disease.  For example if you
live near a lake or other body of water that provides repeat exposure
to the disease for your dog, then the giardia vaccine would be a good
idea.

The initial dose is provided to puppies at 8 weeks of age.
 A second does is provided at 2 to 4 weeks. Adult boosters are
needed each year.

Can Humans Catch Giardia from Dogs?

The causes of giardia in dogs are a different strain of
parasite than the one that infects humans. Types of giardia are for the
most part animal specific.
 The type found in humans, tend to stay in humans, dog
giardia only infests dogs etc. In rare instances, human giardia has
been found in dogs.  While it is believed that it is possible
for dog giardia to infect humans, there is no evidence that this is
true, although more research is needed. 

Prevention of the Causes of Giardia in Dogs

In addition to vaccination, the only way to prevent giardia in
dogs is to eliminate the causes of giardia in dogs which is standing
water or unhygienic kennels or other areas where dogs congregate.
 When walking your dog, try and
provide clean drinking water instead of relying on standing bodies of
water or natural water sources such as lakes or streams.
 There are no over the counter preventatives available like
there are for parasites such as fleas.

Any place water collects should be removed if possible such as places
where there are puddles or poor drainage. Any concrete surface should
be cleaned, dried and sealed. Gravel areas should be replaced. Bleach
may help clean infected areas (1% bleach, 99% water). Lysol, ammonia,
and bleach can also be effective decontamination agents. Look for
products that contain quaternary ammonium compounds.

Removal of Giardia is difficult. They survive the chlorination of
drinking
water and freezing down to –13C.  Cysts can last in the
environment for several weeks.  They can
last even longer if in the water.

To avoid causes of giardia in dogs such as feces, practice
good hygiene such as bagging and disposing of feces in bags, and
removing
and disposing deposited in outdoor areas such as the backyard.

For more information on the causes of giardia in dogs,
download this free
pamphlet from the Companion Animal Parasite Council on Giardia in dogs and people.

References for Causes of Giardia in Dogs:

Standards of Care – How I treat Giardia Infections

Michael R. Lappin, DVM,
PhD, DACVIM

Professor

Department of Clinical Sciences

Colorado State University

Kuenzi Family Pet Hospital

Rodney S. Kuenzi, D.V.M.

Guarding Against Giardia

Maggie Fisher BVetMed MRCVS

Dog
Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook

James M. Giffin

Liisa D. Carlson DVM

Giardiasis in Dogs and Cats: Diagnosis, Treatment and Zoonotic
Risk

Susan E. Little, DVM, PhD, Dipl. EVPC

Center for Veterinary Health Sciences

Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK

Companion Animal Parasite Council Guidelines (CAPCVET.org)

Have a Giardia in Dogs related Question For Our Editors or A Story to Tell About This Topic?

Do you have a dog giardia related question for our editors or a helpful story to share? Please include related information such as age, sex, breed, medical history, symptoms, diagnosis, diet, changes in behavior, diet and medications.

We will do our best to get back to you quickly (depends on how many questions we receive each day). If you do require an immediate response we suggest using this online dog veterinary service that is available now.

Questions from other Readers and Vet Answers

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page…

Giardia in Dogs | Symptoms and Signs

Health Catagories

Top Ten Dog Health Guides

How Giardia Affect Dogs

Many dogs infected with Giardia have a latent or subclinical infection, which means that they really don’t show any noticeable symptoms of illness. However, the parasites eventually damage the lining of the intestines of the animals that they infect, disrupting digestion and using up nutrients that the animals need for normal health. The effects of Giardia are most pronounced in young dogs, old dogs and those with impaired immune systems. The profuse diarrhea that frequently accompanies giardiasis usually also causes severe dehydration. Giardiasis can be fatal, although that is quite uncommon in North America.

Symptoms of Giardia

Giardia can cause a number of gastrointestinal symptoms in domestic dogs. Owners may notice one or more of the following:

• Loss of appetite (inappetance; anorexia)



• Weight loss



• Bloody stools (hematochezia)



• Pale-colored stools



• Greasy stools (steatorrhea)



• Diarrhea (can be acute, chronic or intermittent; often poorly formed or loose stools; often profuse and watery)



• Gas (flatulence)



• Abnormally strong-smelling (malodorous) stools



• Abdominal pain (cramping; nausea)



• Lethargy (tiredness)



• Weakness



• Dehydration (can be severe)



• Fever (occasional; not common)



• Vomiting (occasional; not common)

Dogs at Increased Risk

Dogs of any age, breed or gender can become infected with Giardia. Young animals, and those confined in close quarters with a number of other animals, seem to be more susceptible to infection, as are dogs whose immune systems are stressed or otherwise compromised.

Diagnosis and Tests

Causes & Prevention

Related Topics

Giardia Symptoms for Dogs | eHow

By Jennifer Uhl, eHow Contributor

Giardia is a parasitic infection in dogs.

Giardia is a type of parasite that can affect dogs. Giardia thrives on the dog’s intestines, allowing trophozoites to multiply within the body. Trophozoites can thrive in the host for years without proper diagnosis, making it even more necessary for owners to watch for symptoms of the parasite.

1. 
   
   
   
   • 
     
     
     

     
     

     Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms associated with giardia because the parasite primarily infects the intestines. The resulting diarrhea can be chronic, intermittent or acute depending on the severity of the infection and the body’s reaction. Diarrhea occurs because the dog’s body is attempting to expel the parasite and whatever else is causing unrest in the intestinal tract.

     
     

     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • 
     
     
     

     
     

     Vomiting is another way that the dog will naturally respond to irritation in the intestinal tract. The dog may vomit on its own, or may develop an interest in eating grass and other outdoor plants that can induce vomiting. Vomiting is an indication that something is upsetting the intestinal tract and the body is naturally reacting to expel the offending irritant.

     
     

     
     
     
     
   
   
   • ‘, image: ”, flash: ” }, google_image_size : ’300×250′ });
   
   
   
   

• 
  
  
  

  
  

  The dog may appear to be eating and drinking normally, yet still lose weight despite no changes in appetite. Weight loss is a common symptom in dogs suffering from giardia because of the upset that this parasite creates in the intestinal tract. Giardia prevents the proper absorption of nutrients, interfering with proper digestion and causing difficulty maintaining normal weight as a result.

  
  

  
  
  
  

• 
  
  
  

  
  

  Behavioral changes are common in dogs suffering from giardia. The dog may appear listless, lethargic or depressed. Changes in behavior are an indicator that something is not right with the dog’s health, but may not directly point to giardia. Owners should consult a veterinarian for a general examination and testing when a dog exhibits changes in behavior.

  
  

  
  
  
  

• 
  
  
  

  
  

  Changes in the appearance, texture and consistency of the feces can also indicate a parasitic infection due to giardia. The feces may appear fatty and grayish. These changes, in combination with unexplained weight loss, are indicators of upset within the intestinal tract caused by a giardia infection or a similar parasitic issue.