What is Giardia?
Giardia is a parasite that can infect dogs and cause digestive illness. A dog may have no obvious signs or may develop diarrhea, gas, vomiting, weight loss, lethargy, or reduced appetite. The CDC explains that young animals are more likely to become sick, and that a veterinarian should assess diarrhea that does not go away.
How dogs can get Giardia
Dogs become infected when they swallow Giardia cysts from contaminated feces, water, soil, surfaces, food, or objects. Drinking from a creek, pond, puddle, or other contaminated water source can be a risk. Dogs can also pick up cysts on their coat or paws and swallow them while grooming.
Giardia is not limited to one month or season. Weather, standing water, shared spaces, and contamination can affect exposure at different times of year. The Companion Animal Parasite Council describes transmission, testing, treatment, and control in its current canine guidance.
Signs to watch for
Contact your veterinarian if your dog has diarrhea that continues, vomiting, dehydration, weight loss, unusual tiredness, or another change that concerns you. Several illnesses can cause similar signs. A veterinarian may need stool testing, and repeat samples may be useful because Giardia is not shed in every bowel movement.
Do not start or stop medication based on an online article. Follow the veterinarian’s treatment and follow-up instructions. Ask when your dog can safely return to daycare, training, dog parks, or other shared spaces.
Reduce exposure and reinfection
- Remove feces from your yard and shared areas promptly and dispose of it safely.
- Prevent your dog from drinking from standing water, puddles, ponds, or creeks.
- Wash your hands after handling feces, contaminated items, food, or water bowls.
- Clean and dry bowls, toys, crates, bedding, and other frequently used items.
- Ask your veterinarian how to bathe your dog and clean the environment during treatment.
- Keep a dog with diarrhea or a confirmed infection away from shared pet spaces until your veterinarian gives different advice.
The CDC notes that people are unlikely to get a Giardia infection from dogs or cats, but handwashing and cleaning still help protect pets and people. Ask a healthcare professional about concerns involving a person in your household.
Pet Care Plus requirements
Before daycare, boarding, or grooming, review our current health and vaccination requirements. If your dog has digestive symptoms or may have been exposed to Giardia, call your veterinarian first and contact the Pet Care Plus team before planning a visit.
Contact Pet Care Plus in Chicago with service questions. This article provides general information and does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment.
