Giardia is a protozoan organism that infects both humans and a wide variety of animals, including dogs. Known as giardiasis, this infection occurs in between 1 and 2 percent of properly cared for dogs, in as many as 10 percent of shelter dogs and as many as 50 percent of puppies.
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Time frame
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Dogs get giardia from fecal cysts passed by other infected animals, or from water contaminated with fecal cysts. Cysts incubate in the dog for five to 14 days before becoming infective.
Symptoms
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Most adult dogs show no symptoms of giardia infection, according to Iowa State University's Center for Food Safety and Public Health. Puppies may develop diarrhea or soft stools, lose coat condition and weight and generally fail to thrive.
Identification
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Diagnosis of giardia infection is through microscopic examination of stool samples for cysts. Because infected dogs pass cysts intermittently, more than one sample may be necessary.
Treatment
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Antifungal drugs including metronidazole, fenbendazole and tinidazole are normally prescribed for giardia in dogs. Fenbendazole given at 50mg/kg (2.2lbs.) of weight for three to five days is most effective.
Prevention/Solution
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Disposing of feces quickly and either keeping your dog away from potentially contaminated water sources or boiling the water for one minute are the best ways to prevent giardia infection.
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