How Do Dogs Become Infected with Giardia
Feb 06,2025 | puaintapets
As dog owners, we are always vigilant about our pets’ health, but sometimes we face challenges that aren't immediately obvious. One such challenge is Giardia, a microscopic parasite that can infect a dog’s intestines and cause serious gastrointestinal distress. This condition is often more common than we realize, and many dogs may contract Giardia without showing obvious signs until the infection becomes more severe.
In this article, we’ll explore how dogs get Giardia, what it is, the symptoms to watch for, and the best treatment options to help your dog recover. Understanding how dogs acquire Giardia and how to prevent it is crucial for safeguarding their health.
What is Giardia?
Giardia is a protozoan parasite that affects the gastrointestinal system of mammals, including dogs. The parasite causes a condition called Giardiasis, which is primarily characterized by diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. The Giardia parasite is microscopic and typically infects the small intestine of dogs, leading to inflammation and gastrointestinal discomfort.
There are two main forms of Giardia that affect dogs: trophozoites (the active, moving form) and cysts (the dormant, infectious form). The cysts are the form that spreads the infection to other animals, including humans. Infected dogs shed Giardia cysts in their feces, which can then contaminate the environment and water sources.
How Do Dogs Get Giardia?
Giardia is transmitted primarily through fecal-oral contamination. In simple terms, dogs typically become infected by ingesting Giardia cysts, which are shed in the stool of infected animals. The process of infection is most commonly seen in situations where a dog has access to contaminated water, food, or surfaces.
Here’s a breakdown of the main ways dogs get Giardia:
1. Dietary transmission
- Drinking contaminated water
Giardia's encysted sacs can be excreted in feces and contaminate water sources such as ponds, streams, wells, etc. Dogs may become infected with giardiasis if they drink this contaminated water.
- Consumption of contaminated food
Dogs can also be infected with Giardia when they eat food contaminated with Giardia cysts, such as unwashed fruits and vegetables, raw meat, etc.
2.Contact Transmission
- Contact with contaminated environment
Dogs may come into contact with Giardia-contaminated soil, grass, etc. when they are outdoors, and then ingest the encapsulated cysts into their bodies by licking their paws and hair.
- Contact with infected animals or people
Close contact with other animals or people infected with Giardia, such as sharing cutlery or cups of water, or coming into contact with their feces, may also lead to dogs being infected with Giardia.
3. Other factors
- Low immunity
Dogs with low immunity, such as suffering from other diseases, malnutrition, long-term use of immunosuppressants, etc., are more likely to be infected with Giardia.
- Environmental factors
In a moist, dark environment, Giardia encystments are more likely to survive and spread, increasing the risk of infection in dogs.
Symptoms of Giardia in Dogs
Not all dogs that contract Giardia will show symptoms, but those that do may experience the following:
1. Digestive system symptoms
Diarrhea: It is the most common symptom and manifests itself as chronic intermittent mucous diarrhea. The stools may be watery, greasy, and sometimes unpleasant smelling, and may be alternately accompanied by soft stools, or in severe cases, blood in the stool.
Vomiting: Some dogs may show signs of vomiting, which may be undigested food or gastric juices.
Abdominal pain: Dogs may experience abdominal cramping and abdominal pain, which may be characterized by abdominal discomfort, curling up of the body or frequent changes in position.
Loss of Appetite: After being infected with Giardia, the dog may experience a loss of appetite, disinterest in food, or even refuse to eat.
Indigestion: Dogs may experience symptoms of indigestion such as bloating, belching and farting.
2. Systemic symptoms
Weight loss: Due to diarrhea and loss of appetite, dogs may experience weight loss, especially puppies, which may affect their growth and development.
Lethargy: Dogs may show signs of poor spirits, lethargy, reduced interest in their surroundings and decreased activity.
Weakness: In severe infections, dogs may show signs of weakness, difficulty walking or standing.
3. Other symptoms
Acquired lactose intolerance: Some dogs may develop acquired lactose intolerance after infection with Giardia, which is manifested by symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain after drinking milk and other lactose-containing foods.
Soiling around the anus: As a result of diarrhea, the area around the dog's anus may become contaminated with feces, resulting in a soiled, wet coat.
Diagnosing Giardia in Dogs
If your dog is exhibiting signs of gastrointestinal distress, it’s important to consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. To diagnose Giardia, your vet may perform the following tests:
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Fecal Examination: The most common method for diagnosing Giardia is by performing a fecal floatation test, which identifies Giardia cysts in the dog’s stool.
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Antigen Testing: Your vet may use an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test to detect the presence of Giardia antigens in your dog’s stool.
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PCR Testing: In some cases, a more sensitive PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test may be used to confirm the presence of Giardia DNA.
How to Treat Giardia Infection in Dogs?
I. Medication
- Metronidazole
It is one of the most commonly used medications for treating Giardia infection, usually given orally at a dose of 11-22 mg per kilogram of body weight twice a day for 5-7 days.
- Fenbendazole
is given orally at a dose of 50 mg per kilogram of body weight once a day for 3 days and is effective in treating Giardia infections in dogs.
- Nifurtimox
A new antiparasitic drug with good therapeutic effect against Giardia, usually given orally at a dose of 50 mg per kilogram of body weight once a day for 3 days.
II. Supportive treatment
- Dietary adjustments
During the treatment period, it is recommended to provide the dog with easily digestible and highly nutritious food, avoiding greasy and stimulating food to reduce the burden on the intestinal tract.
- Replenish water and electrolytes
As Giardia infection may lead to diarrhea and vomiting, it is easy to cause dehydration and electrolyte disorders, so timely supplementation of water and electrolytes is needed, which can be done by oral rehydration salts or intravenous fluids.
III. Preventive Measures
- Environmental hygiene
Regularly clean up the dog's feces, keep the environment clean and dry, and avoid the dog's contact with contaminated water and food.
- Dietary hygiene
Provide clean drinking water and high quality dog food, avoid feeding raw meat or uncooked food to your dog.
- Regular deworming
Conduct regular internal and external deworming to prevent parasitic infections such as Giardia.
- Avoid contact with the source of infection
Try to avoid contact between your dog and other animals infected with Giardia to reduce the risk of infection.
FAQs
Can I get Giardia from my dog licking me?
Conclusion
Giardia is a common parasitic infection in dogs, but with proper awareness, diagnosis, and treatment, your dog can recover fully. The parasite is transmitted through fecal-oral contamination, often from contaminated water, feces, or surfaces. By taking preventive measures, such as avoiding contaminated areas and practicing good hygiene, you can help protect your dog from this uncomfortable infection.
If your dog shows symptoms of Giardia, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy, contact your veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment. With prompt attention, most dogs recover from Giardia without long-term effects.
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