Anytime your dog develop diarrhea , it ’s intelligible to search for likely causes . weigh set up giardiasis on the list . All domestic dog owners should empathise the dangers ofGiardiain dogs and how to direct this microscopic parasite .
What is Giardia in Dogs?
Giardiais a protozoon parasite that affect a blackguard ’s intestinal tract , often leading to spartan , watery diarrhoea . Dogs contract bridge this parasite through septic animal feces . This can occur from unmediated ingestion of stool or through inter-group communication with contaminated surface like standing weewee , grease , or grass . The disease do byGiardiais called giardiasis .
Giardiahastwo life story stages : cyst and trophozoite . The cyst is the inactive stage that is shed in stool . Once ingested , cysts develop into trophozoites . Giardiatrophozoites are the mobile , combat-ready form of the parasite that reside in the intestines and sop up the host ’s nutrients . They produce cysts which are shed in the faeces and continue the biography cps .
alas , Giardiacysts can survive in the environment for up toseveral months , even in subpar condition . This intend if your cad go on to cream their paws after walking on an sphere that contains BM from an taint dog , they could take in the vesicle and contractGiardia .
Signs and Symptoms
Because giardiasis step in with alimental engrossment within the bowel , this parasite most commonly causes diarrhea . This diarrhoea can fare or go or may be pertinacious , and it often contains mucus . Some of the most common clinical signs include the pursuit .
It ’s authoritative for pet owners to know that a weenie can be infected withGiardiawithout showing any signaling . This is troublesome because an symptomless hot dog can still throw away the parasite into the environment and infect others . Proper stool clean - up and hygiene are important to protect yourself and other pets .
Potential for Giardia Transmission
When a hotdog is actively sheddingGiardiacysts , the parasite is highly contractable to other hotdog . frank are notorious for sniffing or taste anything that they encounter , so the chances of a housemate , playmate , or even a passerby dog contracting the disease from an septic canine are very high . Reinfection of the same pet is also possible due to the resilience of the cysts .
On the other helping hand , the chances of ahuman contractingGiardiafrom a dog are quite low-pitched , but not impossible . Giardiahas several variants , and the canine strain isunlikely to infect humans . However , immunocompromised individuals should be particularly conservative , and it ’s impudent for everyone to rinse thoroughly after dally with a dog or picking up their feces .
Obtaining a Diagnosis
There are severaldiagnostic methodsveterinary hospitals employ to quiz forGiardia . Each requires a wise stool sampling .
Obtaining a giardiasis diagnosis can be gainsay in some cases due to the parasite ’s intermittent peeling . Do n’t be appall if your vet recommendsrepeated testingover several days .
Treatment Options for Giardiasis
Canine looseness of the bowels can have various causa , so it ’s important to see your veteran if you suspect that your deary may have giardiasis . Based on your pet ’s exam and diagnostic results , they can make appropriate recommendations .
Mosttreatment plansconsist of a path of Metronidazole ( also known as Flagyl ) for several day and a broad - spectrum prescription dewormer . Supportive care to address dehydration from persistent looseness or medication for sickness may be necessary , as well . Although some natural sources likepumpkin seedsmay have anti - bloodsucking property , no holistic remedies have been try out to regale giardiasis .
Preventing Giardia
you’re able to help reduce your dog ’s hazard of becoming infect withGiardiathrough these measures .
If your dog has giardiasis or is being process for aGiardiainfection , keep them away from public areas until after treatment when they are no longer disgorge the cysts . This will protect other bounder from beak up the parasite .
It ’s possible that a frank can become reinfected withGiardiafrom their own stool . soundly strip your surroundings and disinfect any token that could have been contaminated to prevent this from happening . A diluted whitener solution ( 1:32 or 1:16 part resolution ) can effectively vote out theGiardiacysts .
Early Treatment is Key
The best means to direct giardiasis in dogs is by catching it ahead of time . See your veterinary surgeon or drop off a throne sampling at the early attack of diarrhea to ensure your pet ’s comfort and prevent disseminate the parasite . And do n’t forget towash your hands !
