Giardia

Giardia is a protozoa (one-celled organism) that disrupts the small intestines. This gastrointestinal (GI) upset causes diarrhea and intestinal inflammation, decreasing the intestines ability to absorb water and nutrients.

Transmission

Your pet can become infected with Giardia from contaminated soil and water. Giardia can be transferred through direct contact with infected (stagnant) water, feces, soil, and/or food dishes. Giardia is very resistant and can survive in the environment for several months, especially in warm water. It is easy to pets to re-infect themselves by grooming.

Symptoms

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Gas and bloating
• Intestinal inflammation
• Weight loss
• Greasy stool

Treatment

Giardia is treated with an antibiotic or anti-parasitic. Re-check fecals every 5 weeks until a negative fecal is obtained. Giardia can be very stubborn and most likely will take more then one round of medication to cure. We recommend routinely testing fecals every six months to monitor parasitic infestation.

**Wash bedding and fabric toys with bleach detergent and bathe your pet at beginning of the treatment for Giardia.

Human Infection

Since this parasite is zoonotic, it can be transferred to humans from their pet when conditions are not kept clean. Make sure to wash hands after contact with pet or pets feces and before eating.

Giardia Fact Sheet from the CDC

+ Immunizations/Vaccinations