If your dog seems listless and has severe diarrhea, your beloved companion could be suffering from Giardia infection. While common, many pet parents are unaware of the prevalence of this parasitic infection. Here's what you need to know about the signs and symptoms, treatment options, and ways to prevent Giardia.
What is Giardia in Dogs?
Giardia is a common intestinal infection in dogs — as well as in humans and other domestic and wild animals — that is transmitted mainly by the parasite Giardia duodenalis (also sometimes called Giardia intestinalis and Giardia lamblia) through ingesting the poop of infected animals. The organism lives in the intestine and inhibits your dog's ability to absorb water and nutrients, which can lead to diarrhea and weight loss.
While the condition may have some unpleasant symptoms and can cause intestinal distress, Giardia in dogs is usually not fatal (though the risk of fatality increases in young pups and older, immunosuppressed canines — read more on that below). Symptoms will often go away on their own, or if the illness persists, be successfully treated with medication and hydration. But you should always check with your veterinarian to confirm if your dog has Giardia.
Giardia in Dogs: Symptoms and Signs
Common Giardia symptoms in dogs can include:
- Soft or watery stools that may contain mucus
- Watery poop, like diarrhea (which can be continual or intermittent)
- Vomiting
- Excess foul-smelling gas
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss or failure to gain weight
- Poor coat condition
- Low energy
However, it is possible for a dog to be infected with Giardia and have no symptoms.
Prevalence of Giardia in Dogs
The prevalence of Giardia in dogs largely depends on the dog's age, health and the environment in which they live. Worldwide, the Merck Manual of Veterinary Medicine reports that “Surveys conducted in different parts of the world have reported point prevalence estimates of Giardia infection of around 10%–30% for dogs."2
However, some studies have found that, in North America specifically, the rate for dogs is closer to approximately 15%.1 It's worth noting that Giardia is especially dangerous for puppies, elderly dogs, and immuno-compromised dogs.
How the Giardia Parasite in Dogs Spreads
The Giardia parasite lives in the intestines of an infected animal, where it multiplies. After feeding in the digestive tract of an animal for a few days (usually 3-10 days), the parasites transform into cysts. The cysts are then excreted in the animal's feces and are immediately infectious. It can take weeks or even months for an animal to shed all the cysts from its intestinal tract.
If another animal comes in contact with the infected feces, they can then become likewise infected. Giardia can be found anywhere that dogs defecate, including dog parks, backyards and popular canine play areas, like beaches and public parks. As transmission is via a fecal-oral route, a dog becomes infected when they eat or sniff the Giardia cysts. That means your fur buddy could get infected by:
- Being in contact with another animal's infected poop or diarrhea
- Licking its body after being in contact with a contaminated surface (e.g., such as a dog crate)
- Rolling and playing in contaminated soil
- Drinking water from contaminated water (e.g., puddles, creeks, ponds, lakes, etc.)
For example, if a dog steps in some infected feces and then walks into a puddle, other dogs could become infected when they drink from that infected puddle. Notably, parasitic cysts can survive for several months in the environment, especially in water and damp areas.
Also, considering that dogs are incredibly social animals, Giardia can spread between dogs playing in close contact with each other, such as by sniffing one another or sharing toys.
While Giardia in dogs can potentially be passed to humans, the chance of getting infected is relatively low. To minimize the risk, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching your dog, their food or treats, their feces, or their supplies. You can also protect yourself by regularly cleaning and disinfecting household surfaces, especially areas or stuff that your dog uses (bowls, bedding, toys, etc.).
Giardia in Dogs: Treatment Options
Treatment for Giardia in dogs is limited, as there is no one medically approved medicine for the treatment of the infection in the United States. If you suspect that your dog has Giardia, ensure they have plenty of water (due to excessive dehydration that can occur), as well as clean eating and drinking bowls. If the symptoms persist, you will need to seek medical treatment for your dog. A veterinarian will typically diagnose Giardia by analyzing a fecal sample.
If your vet diagnoses Giardia, they may opt to treat your dog with an antibiotic, such as fenbendazole (a popular de-wormer) or metronidazole (a type of antibiotic). Your dog will need to avoid other dogs as they recover to ensure they don't spread the infection.
Giardia in Dogs: Tips for Reducing the Risk of Infection
Although there are medicines to prevent things like fleas, there are no such solutions to guard against Giardia. That said, there are some simple steps you can take to help prevent infection.
- Don't allow your dog to drink water from puddles or other bodies of water. Try to make sure they always have access to potable water from a clean bowl.
- Pick up your dog's feces immediately and avoid letting your dog sniff or play near the feces of other dogs.
- Avoid overcrowded dog areas, like dog parks.
- If you board your dog or use a doggy daycare, make sure they maintain clean facilities and uphold high hygiene standards.
- Bathe your dog after it swims in ponds, lakes or other bodies of water to remove any parasites from their fur.
The Giardia Parasite in Dogs: Last Word
If your furry friend is experiencing symptoms of Giardia infection, it can certainly be concerning. Just remember that Giardia in dogs is treatable. Your best bet is to book an appointment with your veterinarian and get your dog checked out ASAP.
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Sources
1Bouzid et al (01/15), The Prevalence of Giardia infection in dogs and cats, a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence studies from stool samples, Veterinary Parasitology, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304401714006451?via%3Dihub, accessed 5/11/22
2Robertson, Lucy J. (11/21), Giardiasis in Animals, Merk Manual, https://www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/giardiasis-giardia/giardiasis-in-animals, accessed 5/11/22