A very tiny organism which can cause sickness in your dog is Giardia. It thrives in the stomach and bowel and travels in contaminated water, mud or faeces (poop). It can be transmitted by a healthy-looking dog, and even a healthy-looking dog carries it and can share them with other people.
Does your dog look sick, depressed, or fail to eat well? Giardia may be the cause of such instances of diarrhea or lethargy. The positive news? With proper care, Giardia can be treated and even prevented.
We will discuss the issue of what Giardia is, any means your dog might be challenged with it, and signs to consider in this blog. You will also come to know safe treatments, natural tips and how you can prevent its recurrence.
How Do Dogs Get Giardia?
Dogs are affected by Giardia through different ways. A typical example is through drinking puddles, ponds or communal watering bowls. The parasite exists in the contaminated water and has all the chances to get into the body of your dog quite easily by this means.
It can also be contracted through contact with filthy soil, infected faeces or other ill dogs by dogs. Giardia can be spread even by simply licking one of their paws or the fur after walking in a wet, filthy area.
The pets that are very likely to become sick include puppies, old dogs or dogs with low immune systems.
Hygiene measures, by ensuring that your dog is clean and does not go to dirty places, help in reducing the chances of Giardia.
Symptoms of Giardia in Dogs
Dogs are prone to numerous stomach complications that are triggered by Giardia. Diarrhea is the most common one. It can be smelly, oily and mushy. Other dogs can even vomit, become fatigued or begin losing weight.
Gas, bloating, or a heavy stomach are other indications. Others have normal behaviours, yet they contain the parasite and can transfer it to others.
In case your dog exhibits the following symptoms, it is better to consult with a vet. Treating your dog early will make him/her feel better and also protect other people.
How Vets Diagnose Giardia
The vet will perform a faecal test to determine whether your dog has Giardia. This implies that they examine a tiny piece of poop in a microscope to test the presence of parasites.
There are situations when several samples are required. The reason behind this is that there is no guarantee that the Giardia parasite will appear in every case. Proper results are achieved by taking a few-day sample.
Other vets can also submit the sample to a laboratory to test further. The outcomes tend to be received quickly.
When Giardia is detected, the vet has an opportunity to begin the treatment immediately and make your dog feel better as soon as possible.
Treatment for Giardia in Dogs
The fact is that Giardia is treatable using medicine. Safe and effective frequently used by Vets include Metronidazole or Fenbendazole.
It may take anywhere between 5 to 10 days to treat, but it is extremely important to administer all the medication even when improvement is noted in the condition of the dog. Relapses of Giardia may happen because of dropping out prematurely.
Your dog should be kept clean and dry during this period. Wash out their bedding, bowls and toys each day. Moreover, it is important to provide your pet with a lot of pure and fresh water, which will help it to be hydrated.
Read the instructions of your vet closely. A good treatment would soon make your dog feel better and be back to normal in a short time.
Natural Support During Giardia Treatment
Simple home care operations, along with medicine, can also make your dog recover quicker. Start with a bland diet which includes plain rice and boiled chicken. This is light on the stomach.
So to replace good bacteria in the gut of your dog, you can take help from probiotics after consultation with your vet.
All you can do is provide clean water only, and not allow your dog to eat or lick outdoors.
Also, gently bathe your dog to eliminate some of the parasites remaining in the fur. This maintains them and your home clean.
These minor changes will make your dog feel good as he gets over Giardia.
How to Prevent Giardia in Dogs
Preventing Giardia at the onset is the surest approach to the health of your dog. Don’t let your dog take in the water in streams or puddles that are near a park.
Those few days you leave your dog without less water dish, hands down, without washing it; and to go around with poopie everywhere, even in your backyard.
In the event that your dog romps in mud or dirt, take them out and rinse them off in a minute bath to eliminate any germs.
Wash your hands after being in contact with your dog or cleaning up your dog, too.
These simple procedures will not only minimize the probability of Giardia but also make your pet healthy and satisfied.
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