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Giardia

Giardia infection (Giardiasis) is when an animal (human or otherwise) has an intestinal infection of a protozoan (single-celled organism) parasite known as Giardia duodenalis (often referred to as Giardia). Giardia is a common cause of diarrhea and other illnesses, but many dogs with giardia have no physical signs at all.

Dogs can easily become infected after ingesting giardia cysts. This could occur by drinking contaminated water, eating contaminated grass or plants, coming into contact with another animal’s feces, or licking their own body after rolling in contaminated dirt. Giardia cysts are hardy and can live in the environment for weeks or months.

For most dogs, the prognosis for giardiasis is good. Some dogs may need supportive care for the diarrhea such as subcutaneous fluids or other drugs. Some dogs may do well on a highly digestible diet to firm up the stools during giardia treatment. Treatment typically ranges from 3 to 10 days, with a retest following completion of treatment.

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