Girardiasis in dogs is the infection caused by an intestinal infestation of the giardia protozoa. This is a one-celled organism passed through animal feces. Giardia is naturally occurring wherever animal carriers are found. Giardia can be present outside and in water and is easily passed as animals or people ingest the protozoa in its cyst form. There is much about the protozoa that remains unknown by veterinarians and scientists.
-
Diarrhea
-
Younger dogs are more prone to giardiasis than older animals. The most common symptom of canine giardiasis is diarrhea. The diarrhea can be chronic or occur sporadically, often noticed during times the dog may be in stressful situations. Infected dogs with diarrhea often have bouts of acute or explosive diarrhea. While giardiasis can strike animals of any age, it is more severe and common in younger dogs and puppies.
Abnormal Feces
-
Infected dogs may have adnormal appearing feces. For dogs that do not show signs of diarrhea, stools produced may be of normal volume, shape and size, but may differ in color and consistency. It is not uncommon for the infected dog to pass stools that are pale in color, have an exceedingly foul odor or have an appearance of being somewhat greasy. The stools may also contain mucous.
Weight Loss
-
Dogs infected with giardia may eat well, but still lose weight. Since the giardia prevents nutrients necessary for good canine health from being properly absorbed by the intestines, dogs suffering from giardiasis may lose weight. The key to this weight loss is that the eating habits of the infected dogs typically do not change. Weight loss may be difficult to determine in puppies and heavily coated dogs. If you note weight loss along with normal eating habits, diarrhea or atypical stools, your veterinarian should be consulted.
-