Giardiasis is a disease caused by a parasite that can affect both dogs and people. It causes pale and very foul-smelling diarrhea, especially in puppies, while in adult dogs it may not give any symptoms. It almost always occurs from drinking water or food that is contaminated by feces containing the parasite, but with treatment and good hygiene, it can be controlled.
What is the cause of giardiasis in dogs?
It is a parasite in dogs called Giardia and can be found in the soil or in the dog’s food or water . Transmission occurs through direct contact, if the dog ingests contaminated feces, or indirectly, if it ingests contaminated food or water.
Two forms of Giardia exist , the trophozoite and the cyst , and both are infectious. The first is the one found inside the dog’s body during the infestation, while the second is a form of resistance that the parasite adopts in the environment and allows it to survive for months. Upon ingestion of these cysts, the trophozoites are released into the dog’s intestine.
In what areas is giardiasis in dogs usually found?
Giardiasis in dogs is more frequent in places with a high density of dogs (such as shelters, shelters, residences, etc.), in puppies less than six months old and in homes where several animals live together, be they dogs or cats. , or both.
How can I tell if my dog has giardiasis?
The most striking thing about giardiasis in dogs is very foul-smelling diarrhea that lasts between 5 and 12 days and can occur even before the dog begins to expel the parasite in its feces. The dog defecates more frequently and the stool is pale in color , may contain mucus, and is runny to mushy; sometimes there is a fever It is more common in young dogs or with problems in their defense system, and in these cases the disease is usually more serious than in adult or healthy dogs. It is also true that some dogs can suffer from giardiasis without showing any symptoms.and continue with their normal activity, while in severe cases they may stop eating and lose weight; It is usual when the animal suffers from other diseases at the same time.
What treatment will my dog need if he has giardiasis?
The most important thing will be to control the symptoms and this may require several medications or attempts at treatment. Sometimes Giardia does not cause symptoms and does not need to be treated unless the pet lives in a home where there is someone with problems in their defense system due to the risk of transmission to humans.
The two most commonly used drugs to treat giardiasis in dogs are fenbendazole and metronidazole , two antiparasitics. But beyond drug treatment, the dog must receive a highly digestible diet until the stool is well formed. Adding some fiber can improve symptoms, as well as therapies that restore the intestinal microbiota , that is, the intestinal bacteria that are natural and beneficial to the body.
If the dog shows symptoms, it is important to take it to the vet as soon as possible, since the treatment will be more effective the sooner we start it.
Is giardiasis in dogs a very serious disease?
In general, it is not a serious disease because infested dogs do not usually present any symptoms, especially if they are adults and healthy, and in any case, treatment and hygienic measures that control the parasite can always be applied. Still, some animals do not respond to drugs, and the infestation may recur over time.
How can I prevent giardiasis in my dog?
When dealing with contaminated animals or feces, the starting point must be hygiene . Faced with giardiasis in dogs, we must wear gloves and wash our hands frequently, eliminate feces immediately and clean the sick animal so that no remains of feces remain in its hair. In addition, we will prevent the dog from drinking water or food that may be contaminated.
On the other hand, boiling, steaming, drying or disinfecting the utensils and surfaces with which the dog may be in contact will also serve to eliminate the cysts. Quaternary ammonium- based detergents are best for killing Giardia . Phenolics too, although they should be in contact for longer, while chlorine products, such as bleach, are not effective against cysts.
What risk do I have of catching giardiasis from dogs myself?
People who get giardiasis from their dogs and contract parasites in humans usually do so by drinking water or food that is contaminated by the parasite, although contagion can also occur between people or, in some specific cases, from the animal to person. Children and people with immune system problems are most at risk and may want to keep their distance from infested pets.