Giardia Prevention in Dogs

Giardia refers to single-celled protozoan parasites that commonly infect the digestive tract of warm-blooded animals. They are frequently present in bodies of water that have been contaminated with animal feces from other giardia-infected animals. The giardia will remain dormant in a cyst-like structure in the environment until ingested by a new host animal. Symptoms of giardia infection include diarrhea, weight loss and lack of energy. Untreated giardia infections can cause permanent damage to the small intestine.

  1. Drinking Contaminated Water

    • The easiest way to prevent a giardia infection in dogs is to keep him from drinking out of pools of water in nature. Ponds, lakes, puddles and all other bodies of water found in nature have the potential to be infected and can pass that infection to your dog.

    Disinfect Surroundings

    • Areas around where you dog is kept at home should also remain free of stagnating water. Any areas where drainage is poor should be monitored to prevent the excessive buildup of water. Any concrete surfaces that your dog might make contact with should be cleaned and disinfected with a mild solution of bleach or other disinfectant such as quaternary ammonium compounds. Giardia is extremely resilient and difficult to remove, even with chlorine-based disinfectants.

    Prophylactic Treatment

    • Dogs that are routinely exposed to potential infection through hunting and retrieving activities can be given prophylactic doses of medications used to treat giardia such as metronidazole, fenbendazole and albendazole. Dogs that are treated for giardia do not develop a residual immunity and can become re-infected immediately after treatment.

    Vaccination

    • Vaccinating dogs against the disease is also helpful in preventing infection. A vaccine that prevents giardia is available from your veterinarian and can be given at the same time your dog's annual vaccinations are given.

    Treatment

    • Dogs with active giardia infections are given a weeklong protocol of medication such as metronidazole or fenbendazole and are prescribed a regimen of fiber to help stop the diarrhea. Care should be taken to keep the areas free of feces and disinfected as the dog can become re-infected immediately after treatment. Giardia is also transmissible to humans, so proper hand-washing techniques should be observed at all times.