Giardia is one of the most common parasites that affect dogs, and while most pet owners have heard of the condition, some are still confused about transmission, treatment, and prevention. Our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team dispels common myths about Giardia in dogs.    

Myth #1: Only dogs who drink contaminated water can get Giardia

Fact: While Giardia cysts are often found in contaminated water sources, they are not exclusive to these environments. This resilient parasite can be found almost everywhere, including contaminated soil, feces, or food. Dogs also can contract Giardia from other infected animals. All dogs are susceptible to giardiasis. 

Myth #2: Giardia isn’t a problem if my dog is healthy

Fact: Giardia can affect any dog, regardless of age, breed, or health status. While puppies, seniors, and dogs with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to severe illness, which can be fatal, healthy dogs can also contract the parasite. Many Giardia-infected dogs show no illness signs, but can still shed the parasite in their feces, putting all dogs at risk.

Myth #3: Diarrhea is the only sign that my dog has a Giardia infection

Fact: Diarrhea is the most common—and smelly—Giardia infection sign, but other signs include:

  • Vomiting
  • Foul-smelling gas
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss 
  • Lethargy

Again, some affected pets show no clinical signs, but continue to pass infective Giardia cysts into the environment. If you have the slightest suspicion that your dog has Giardia, contact our team, so we can perform diagnostic screenings and determine the cause of your dog’s digestive problems. 

Myth #4: A single negative fecal test means my dog is Giardia-free

Fact: The Giardia parasite comes in two forms—the trophozoites that attach to the intestinal wall, and the cysts, which are shed intermittently in a dog’s feces and may not be present in every fecal sample. Therefore, a single negative test does not definitively rule out Giardia and your veterinarian will likely recommend multiple tests on different days for an accurate diagnosis. 

Myth #5: Giardia is easy to treat

Fact: Treating Giardia can be challenging because of its resilience and persistence. Effective medications are available, but reinfection is common if a dog’s environment is not properly managed or the parasite has become resistant to the medication. To ensure a full recovery, practice the following hygiene measures:

  • Cleaning — Giardia cysts are susceptible to most common household disinfectants and steam cleaning, so thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces where your dog lies can help prevent reinfection. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after picking up your dog’s stool.
  • Bathing — Bathing your dog regularly to remove fecal material during giardiasis treatment can help prevent reinfection. A thorough bathing right after their last day of treatment is important. Trimming your dog’s fur around their hind end can help keep them clean and prevent cysts from clinging to their fur.
  • Drinking — Keep your pet away from ponds, creeks, lakes, and other water bodies to prevent infection and reinfection, and let them drink only fresh water you provide.
  • Diet — A prescription diet that is easily digestible and reintroduces healthy gut flora can help resolve diarrhea.

Additional medications and supportive care may be necessary, depending on your pet’s condition, as well as multiple rechecks to ensure your pet has cleared the infection.

Myth #6: Humans can’t get Giardia from dogs

Fact: Giardia is a zoonotic disease (i.e., the infection can be transmitted from animals to humans). However such transmission is rare, and most humans are infected when they drink contaminated water. Nonetheless, good hygiene practices are essential to prevent any transmission, and you must wear gloves when you clean up after your Giardia-infected dog, and wash your hands thoroughly. Children, senior citizens, and people with compromised immune systems are at highest risk.

Tips to decrease your dog’s Giardia risk 

Giardia is a concerning disease, but you can take these steps to decrease your pet’s risk:

  • Drink — Do not allow your dog to drink from communal water bowls, puddles, or outdoor bodies of water.
  • Clean — Regularly clean and disinfect your pet’s living spaces, including their bed, toys, and food and water dishes.
  • Dispose — Always dispose of your dog’s feces promptly.
  • Command — Teach your dog not to eat any feces, either their own or stool left by other animals.
  • Wash — Thoroughly wash your hands after handling or cleaning up after your dog.
  • Examine — Schedule regular wellness exams so your veterinary team can catch Giardia infections early. 

Understanding the facts about Giardia can help dog owners prevent, recognize, and treat this infection. If you have more questions about this infective parasite, suspect your pet has giardiasis, or to schedule their wellness examination, contact our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team and make an appointment.