Giardia is a protozoan parasite found in dogs, as well as other mammals. It causes extreme intestinal and stomach upset. Giardia is zoonotic, meaning that it can be passed from one species of animal to another. The method of transmission is the same regardless of whether the microorganism is passing from a dog to another dog, a dog to a human or a dog to any other animal.
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Giardia can leave a dog feeling sick and miserable.
Identification
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Dogs infected with Giardia microorganisms will show signs of intestinal upset, especially diarrhea. Some dogs infected with this disease may not show any symptoms, but may still shed infectious material.
Transmission
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Giardia is transmitted by ingesting food or water that has come into contact with the Giardia protozoa. The infectious material of this particular protozoa is found in fecal matter.
Life Cycle
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The protozoa is passed through the body of an infected animal through fecal matter in the form of tiny cysts. These cysts are passed to another animal, which ingests them. The active stage, called a trophozoite, begins to reproduce within the body. It is then excreted and passed on.
Locations
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Because of the nature of transmission, Giardia is often found in dogs who are kept in close quarters with one another, such as pet stores or animal shelters.
Treatment
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Once diagnosed, Giardia can be treated with any number of anti-parasitic drugs that can be prescribed by a veterinarian. The complete efficacy of these drugs is unknown, and precautions should be taken to prevent transmission even if clinical symptoms have disappeared.
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