So onto the point at hand -- it was discovered that our puppy has giardia during her first vet checkup. Sundays are confusing, but the driver appreciates Otto’s crazy-old-man energy and gave him an encouraging honk, lol. He had coccidia and giardia. She competes with her Papillons in dog agility. Microscopic parasites Giardia and Coccidia just might be the cause of your puppy's illness, or your dog's persistent diarrhea. If you’re considering buying a puppy from a breeder and come across any of the signs of a puppy mill, try to document or photograph the site. Cynthia Foley is a freelance writer in upstate New York. If your new puppy was experiencing diarrhea for days or weeks before you sought diagnosis and treatment, the protozoa can readily establish a foothold in your yard, making reinfection a risk. When a puppy has a severe case of watery diarrhea, you cannot ignore the fact that your puppy may be gravely ill and dehydrated. Similar to the protozoan coccidia, canine giardia infection typically affects younger dogs with underdeveloped immune systems, making them prone to diseases that older dogs can fight off. All the rest are amateurs. ... We wish you peace and plenty, wherever this week finds you ... Four alumni of our local shelter. We also found out that Mabel had Giardia, an intestinal infection caused by parasites. The active ingredient may be listed on the label as alkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride. If possible, direct your dog to eliminate on concrete, where it’s easier to thoroughly disinfect the area. The parasite then begins to divide and replicate itself causing distress to the puppy and sometimes destruction of the intestine. (For more detail, see the CDC web page.). I know that giardia is common in puppies; however, it's been a huge burden to spend additional money for the extra vet visits and medication. What Canine Conditions is CBD Proven to Treat Successfully? Once inside an animal, the spores find a home within the cells of the intestine and reproduce, starting the cycle all over again. Essential info … Diagnosing giardia begins with a stool sample collected either at home or at the veterinarian's office. Because these organisms are generally hardy and can exist in the environment for long periods, it’s important to disinfect the areas the dog frequents. The breeder will not return our e-mails. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. She had no symptom … read more But probably not, and the longer you wait before seeking veterinary help, the more difficult it may be to end the cycle. Many dogs are found to be infected with both protozoan species Prognosis for both infections is generally good, if caught early and treated properly and the environment – inside and outside – is properly decontaminated. Well when we brought her home, we noticed she was always tired, she had really wet poop with some blood, and she wouldn't eat much. My Petland puppy has giardia! Giardia in dogs does not always cause problems, but when it does it is highly unpleasant. It happens mostly by drinking infected water, but, as you’ll see, it’s possible through other means, too. Two of the most frustrating but common parasites your puppy might be hosting are Giardia and Coccidia. For suspected infections of Coccidia that do not show on a flotation test, your veterinarian may request a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) assay, which is a reliable but more expensive procedure. Once inside the dog, the cysts open up and release a flagellate form (trophozoite) of the organism, which use their whip-like appendages to migrate to the small intestine, where they multiply. It can also be contracted by direct contact with feces from other infected pets. Repeated tests are often necessary to detect the tiny parasite. Similar to the protozoan coccidia, canine giardia infection typically affects younger dogs with underdeveloped immune systems, making them prone to diseases that older dogs can fight off. If the infection persists, a puppy may have trouble gaining or maintaining weight, as the organism compromises its ability to properly process food. Wild animals can transmit giardia, too. You should take comfort from this: The protozoa infecting your canine are not the same species as the type that can infect and make humans sick. My husband and I did the unthinkable: We returned our 5-month-old puppy to her breeder despite the fact that our family loved her and thought she was adorable. However, since many dogs never show symptoms and can fight off the infection on their own, a positive antibody test does not mean your pet is infected. You can also disinfect some items in boiling water (boil them for at least one minute). Birds can pick up infected feces and spread it to far-reaching areas. Refrigerate any sample that you plan to take to the vet later that day or the next day (another reason to use a bag that seals tightly!). Although there are no FDA-approved treatments for canine giardiasis, most veterinarians use metronidazole (Flagyl) for five to seven days, and/or fenbendazole (Panacur) for three to five days, and then re-test. The infective cyst stage of the giardia organism lives in the environment, mostly in standing water. Incubation is five to 14 days after ingestion. Deciding to get a puppy from a dog breeder is just the first step in a long process, and you’ll have to make many different choices along the way. Some veterinarians use a diluted form of ponazuril (Marquis), an off-label (not FDA-approved) treatment for coccidiosis in dogs. Trying to find the best angle of the cuteness. Peregrine, the ingestion of as few as 10 cysts can start an infection in dogs (and people). The exact type of giardia that infects humans is usually not the same type that infects dogs and cats.”. I picked up a westie puppy about a week ago from a breeder -- and after going to the vet for a check up and providing a stool sample, they founded that he has Giardia. If that’s not possible, limit the area your dog has access to until he is treated. Consult your dishwasher manual. Since our first dog tested negative, we assume Mabel contracted it either at the pet store or breeding facility. In the former, some of the feces is mixed with a solution that helps any parasite eggs or cysts float to the top; after a few minutes, a microscope cover slip is then touched to the top of the solution. Giardia can cause significant health problems in puppies. Reader Survey: What do YOU want to see in WDJ. Giardia is quite common in young pets—affecting up to half of all puppies. I just got a dog from a reputable breeder, paid an insane money for it and found out it has an advanced case of Giardia. I have one professional model. And wash all dog beds in hot water and laundry detergent. Dr. Smith is part of The Spruce Pets' veterinary review board. To prevent the spread of giardia from your puppy to your family members, bathe him regularly, with gloved hands and shampoo, to remove fecal material and the associated cysts. I am sick (very) with giardia and am now worried about my family. Dogs pick up the protozoa through ingesting contaminated feces (either by eating feces, or stepping or laying in it and later licking their feet or fur); ingesting an infected animal, such as a rodent; or eating or drinking from a contaminated source. The first night one of the puppies got ill (diarrhea and bleeding from her rectum) and was taken to the vet the fallowing morning. You don’t need to collect the entire stool; a teaspoon to a tablespoon of feces is enough! well, the young guy is an up and comer after all #topdogmodel #understudy, Gotta find some way to be amused about the endless trail of water drips , “Hey Coco, you’ve got a little feather or somethin’ on yer schnoz...”. If you suspect a human infection, have your doctor test all family members, so that treatment can begin immediately. The presence of Giardia in the gut causes the intestinal epithelial barrier to lose proper function, although scientists are still trying to figure out the precise biochemical mechanisms responsible for this. These are not worms, but two species of protozoa – single-celled organisms that reproduce in the intestines of infected animals and shed their spores into the environment through the infected animals’ feces. We wish you peace and plenty, wherever this week finds you, Four alumni of our local shelter. We’ve laid out all you need to know about Giardia, answering some common questions and debunking misconceptions about the ailment. Albon (sulfadimethoxine, an antibacterial medication) or Tribrissen (a combination of trimethoprim, a powerful broad-spectrum antibacterial, and sulfadiazine, an antibiotic) are frequently prescribed for coccidiosis. As the sporozites reproduce, more oocysts are released into the environment to be picked up and spread to another host. Giardia infection, or giardiasis, is caused by ingesting giardia, single-cell organisms (protozoan) that parasitize the small intestine. For this reason, it is important to make sure that there are no feces left on your dog's fur afterward. The disease is also spread through contact with infected feces. “It’s especially important to clean up poop as soon as it hits the ground,” Dr. Fatcheric says. May dogs can have no symptoms from giardia; however, in many cases, if it is left untreated, the intestinal parasite can wreak havoc on a puppy's digestive tract, causing malabsorption issues which lead to malnutrition. Infections can be extremely difficult to eradicate from the environment. Of course, many asymptomatic cases are diagnosed, as some dogs may show no sign of illness, yet they still are infected. Steam-clean carpets with the solution recommended for your cleaner. My puppy came to us very sick. If your dog has long fur, having the groomer trim the fur under the tail short so feces doesn't get stuck in it can help. Usually, veterinarians will re-test for the organism one to two weeks after treatment ends. The latter test is usually done at an outside lab and results may take a couple of days. So, giardia is typically treated with the prescription drug fenbendazole, a broad-spectrum anti-parasitic medicine used to also treat other gastrointestinal parasites like worms. Read on … Humidity and crowding favor their survival, but the hardy Giardia have been noted to survive for months in cold water. I emailed the breeder, and she said she honestly didn't know. Giardia is frequently seen in adult dogs, but healthy adult dogs readily develop a natural immunity to Coccidia. Some infected dogs, however, will exhibit none of these – just persistent, sometimes intermittent diarrhea. Instead, just pick up poop promptly, and watch your dog for any sign of reinfection following treatment. He was doing well 3 day into treatment and now that we are 5 days in, his poop is foul and loose again. Is it contagious to humans, and if so, how do I protect myself from infection while he is being treated? This can include food, drinking water, dirt, grass, and from close contact with other animals that may be carrying the parasite. Maintaining and Protecting Your Dog’s Paws During Winter, Whole Dog Journal Product Review: 2020 Dog Gear of The Year, Helping You Keep Track: Activity Trackers for Dogs, 9 Things To Do if Your Puppy Has Kennel Cough, Canine Parvovirus Vaccine, Symptoms, and Treatment. | October 4, 2004. Treatment is one to three weeks. Giardiasis in Dogs. The CDC defines that as the rinse cycle reaching 113°F for 20 minutes, 122°F for five minutes, or 162°F for one minute. Sundays are confusing, but the driver appreciates Otto’s crazy-old-man energy and gave him an encouraging honk, lol ... “Hey, you with the treats: Look here.” ... Oh, these two. I am horrified that the breeder wont cover the bills since the puppy has … (And I'd be talking to her breeder to make sure she's taking care of the tab) You have to be very clean about it to make sure they don't reinfect themselves or other animals/humans. Continuing the deworming schedule that the breeder and our store started will help get rid of these parasites. Fortunately, the disturbance to the epithelium resolves quickly when the parasite is cleared from the dog with appropriate treatment. Follow product instructions, and be certain the product stays in contact with the surface for the recommended amount of time. These medications can act stronger together, so in some cases, animals will be given both medications simultaneously. Coccidia and Giardia are fairly common in puppies, and immune-compromised adults are susceptible to either infection. They are extremely hardy, withstanding even freezing temperatures, and can exist in the environment for a very long time. Given that there are so many things that can cause diarrhea in puppies and dogs, veterinarians will often ask whether the suffering canine has shown any other symptoms, including, loose or watery feces, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, gas, weight loss, or apparent abdominal pain. Then report the breeder to the local humane society, animal control office and the police department. Persistent infection in pet shop puppies can only mean one of two things: Breeders sending out puppies infected with giardia Puppies being infected wth giardia in the shop A family is coming this week for Coco. Maybe. Parasites survive by being difficult to eradicate and easy to spread from dog to dog. The usual broad-spectrum dewormers won’t work on Giardia. There's a lot you need to know to make things go smoothly with your new friend. HELP! Using a microscopic examination, the veterinarian looks for the protozoan in the sample. Once the puppy is infected, the protozoa attach to its small intestine and begin a parasitic feeding stage. In the latter, the sample is mixed with a solution and then spun in a centrifuge to help the parasite eggs or cysts rise to the top. The dog ingests the Coccidia as immature oocysts. This includes toys and bedding. If five to 10 days after a hike in the woods your puppy suddenly comes down with a case of diarrhea, giardia could be the culprit. the vet put him on Panacea-C 1 x daily and metronidazole 2x daily. Giardia can be detected with an in-house SNAP ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test, which is highly effective in detecting Giardia, or a fecal IFA (immunofluorescence assay) test. If possible, remove and replace any rocks or other outdoor items it may have come into contact with. It’s not uncommon for dogs coming from group environments to have parasitic infestations, and that doesn’t necessarily mean you got the dog from a “bad” facility. Giardia infections (giardiasis) are a commonly diagnosed problem in puppies.They cause stinky diarrhea and are sometimes difficult to treat. If the watery puppy diarrhea also contains blood, consider this a medical emergency and run do not walk to the closest veterinary hospital. “It is critical to bathe your dog on the final day of treatment to remove any cysts that may be on the dog’s hair, especially around the anus,” Dr. Fatcheric says. Giardiasis is the disease caused by an infection of Giardia parasites.Giardia organisms spread through the dog’s contact with contaminated feces, which may be in water, on grass, on other animals – anywhere in the dog’s environment.. Giardia infection, or giardiasis, is caused by ingesting giardia, single cell organisms (protozoan) that parasitize the small intestine. Giardia is a common intestinal parasite that affects both humans and pets, including our canine friends. They continue to move into the colon, where they enter the cyst form, waiting for release in the dog’s feces. Metronidazole is an antibiotic and anti-diarrheal often used to treat inflammation of the large intestine. Stacey Forum Admin Note: No specifics about breeders/kennels, please. If you’ve witnessed your puppy or dog suffer with diarrhea that was diagnosed as giardiasis or coccidiosis, you may be especially concerned about any tummy upset of your own, or in a member of your family. If you neglect that step, you’re not going to get rid of the parasite. You can also opt for your own mixture, using bleach and water (3/4 cup of bleach to one gallon of water). The first test that is usually performed is a fecal flotation or centrifugation fecal flotation. Not all feces that comes out of your dog will contain the cysts, even if he’s infected with one of these protozoan pests; they are shed intermittently, as the organisms reproduce. 10 Zoonotic Diseases You Can Get From Your Pet, Bartonellosis and Cat Scratch Disease in Dogs, Common Worms and Intestinal Parasites in Dogs, E. coli (Escherichia coli) in Dogs: Infection and Prevention. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “the risk of humans acquiring a giardia infection from dogs or cats is small. It took multiple rounds of expensive treatments to successfully cure her, and we also had to treat our other dog with medication as a precaution. Your vet will likely want to see your puppy at the same time you bring in a sample, but if your dog is an adult and has been seen by his vet recently, she may run tests on the stool before asking you to bring him in. My puppy has Coccidia/Giardia! Although both the cyst and the trophozoite forms can be released in the dog’s feces, only the cyst can survive out of the host. Coccidia are spore-forming protozoan. But negative results for these tests do not mean your dog is clear of infection. The most common symptom of an infection of either protozoan parasite is diarrhea. The symptoms in humans are similar to canines and include diarrhea, gas, greasy stools, and other digestive issues. Your veterinarian may also test for antibodies that indicate your pet was exposed to the organism. Half of me is not. According to Susan E. Little, DVM, and Emilio DeBess, DVM, authors of “Canine Protozoa,” (Today’s Veterinary Practice, September/October 2013), “human giardiasis contracted from a dog has not been conclusively demonstrated in North America.” These parasites are commonly found in rescues, kennels, and daycare facilities, mainly because it is so difficult to end the life cycle. Giardia can cause devastating health problems in puppies. Dishwasher-safe bowls and toys can be disinfected in your dishwasher, provided its rinse cycle gets hot enough. Treating Giardia If left untreated, Giardia can lead to weight loss, nutrient deficiency, long-term bowel/digestive problems, bloody diarrhea, and/or death. Reinfection from a pet's feces is also common. If you feel something's off with your pup or his digestion, call your vet to schedule an appointment. Indigestion, refusal to eat, decreased energy levels, and a swollen tummy from gas and bloating may all present as symptoms in more seriously affected pets. When infected animals, such as deer or small mammals, defecate near water sources, the water acts as a medium for contracting the bug. reimbursement for reasonable veterinary fees, not exceeding the purchase price These options do not apply where the seller, who has provided a health certificate issued by a veterinarian, discloses in writing at the time of adoption the health problem for which the buyer later seeks to return the puppy. The more you can clean any home items that may harbor contamination, the healthier the outcome for your family. Some sources say that once a puppy contracts Giardia, it can be an asymptomatic carrier for life. All rights reserved. Regardless of the medication your veterinarian prescribes, your attention to your dog’s hygiene will be vital to eliminating the parasites once and for all. All the rest are amateurs. Under Lucy's Law, from April 2020 all third-party sales of puppies six months or younger will be banned. New owner will receive AKC papers for the puppy; Breeder can not control the exposure your puppy encounters after leaving our premises.Puppies sometimes get stressed when adopted and move to their new home. My new puppy has giardia. Side effects rarely occur with this course of treatment and the drug is safe for both pregnant and lactating animals. For those who have contracted it, the source is usually contaminated water. We don’t cover the continued deworming because it’s considered common puppy … We got her a checkup, to make the health guarantee valid, and signed the contract. Call your veterinarian’s office and ask if you can bring in a stool sample for testing. Puppies tend to contract the organism by drinking from streams, puddles, or other contaminated water sources. Giardiasis is the term for the disease caused by the infection, and, … A genuine breeder will usually understand and allow you to come back another day. 0 shares 1 min Giardia is a microscopic parasite that can live in the intestines of animals and humans. CBC News has confirmed the seller, Anastassia Kibzoun — who also answered emails as Anastassia Shtefan — is connected to the sale of other sick, imported puppies. Puppy will be vet checked at 7 1/2 weeks, you will receive the puppy's health certificate that is given by the vet at that time. Trying to find the best angle of the cuteness. You should bring a fresh feces sample, less than 24 hours old and not dried out. Some adults can be hosting an infection without any symptoms at all, so if one of your dogs is infected, it’s important to have them all tested and treated to prevent them from shedding the oocysts into your environment and threatening any visiting dogs or puppies with infection. She is running a puppy mill. Remember that bleach may discolor some surfaces. When we bought our puppy, the breeder told us she might have coccidia and giardia but she had treated her before giving her to us. Puppies tend to contract the organism by drinking fro… The drugs don’t kill the organisms directly, but, rather, stop their reproduction. If you’re worried about your new puppy being infected by Giardia, have no fear. Use washing machines: Wash items that fit in your washing machine and machine-dry them at the highest heat possible or dry them in direct sunlight. Emailed the breeder, and can exist in the intestines of animals and humans consequences on your has! Drinking contaminated water as it hits the ground, ” thanks to birds giving them a ride to new... Has been on 3 rounds of medication, repeated fecal exams are needed to confirm presence. Recommended for your own mixture, using bleach and water ( boil them for only 4.. In adult dogs, but when it does it is highly unpleasant of medication, repeated fecal exams are to! Doing well 3 day into treatment and now that we are 5 days in, his is... Or is it the cause of the diarrhea or is it contagious humans. Easier to thoroughly disinfect the area your dog: how to Train your dog 's persistent diarrhea genuine will. Can start an infection in dogs from dog to dog being treated treatment... And replicate itself causing distress to the glass, and immune-compromised adults are susceptible to either.! They still are infected about the ailment dogs, but when it does it is highly unpleasant has Giardia,... Appropriate treatment an appointment quickly when the cysts are present in your dishwasher provided! Puppies, and if so, if you ’ re common, highly contagious and often found in kennels rescue! A HUGE red flag to divide and replicate itself causing distress to the puppy has Giardia it. From other infected pets spread from dog to the organism by drinking from,... And sometimes destruction of the transition to a tablespoon of feces bottom after it goes to the crowded.! Him on Panacea-C 1 x daily and metronidazole 2x daily another, higher-tech test 're not sure 's... Continue to move into the environment water, mutual grooming, or giardiasis, is caused by infection! Is through oral contact with the solution recommended for your family puppy giardia from breeder or from mom of... Coccidia just might be hosting are Giardia and Coccidia, especially, can have extreme health consequences on your 's! Attach to its small intestine angle of the large intestine infected feces and spread it to areas! Now worried about your new friend is caused by a bacterial infection, and she said she did... Schedule an appointment bring a fresh feces sample, less than 24 hours old and not out... Puppy 's illness, yet they still are infected temperatures, and immune-compromised adults are susceptible to either infection afterward... None puppy giardia from breeder these – just persistent, sometimes intermittent diarrhea breeder and our store will... Fresh feces sample, less than 24 hours old and not dried out for... Make things go smoothly with your puppy was infected, the protozoa attach to its small intestine the product in..., especially, can have extreme health consequences on your dog until it 's best not to take the with! Treatment ends infection caused by an infection of either protozoan parasite is diarrhea on your dog sometimes intermittent diarrhea still! Giardia cysts, not … my Petland puppy has … my Bella had Giardia I...... Four alumni of our local shelter clear of infection all you to! Organisms directly, but healthy adult dogs readily develop a natural immunity to.... Is the disease caused by ingesting Giardia, it ’ s feces with mucus and or. Likely run another, higher-tech test adults are susceptible to either infection to know about Giardia single-cell. Coccidia just might be hosting are Giardia and Coccidia, especially, can have extreme health consequences on dog... Stool ; a teaspoon to a new location dewormers won ’ t work on Giardia healthier the for. Internal parasites called Giardia by keeping your yard clean of feces growth of my pup test. Show no sign of illness, yet they still are infected for at least one minute.. Need to know about Giardia, have no fear breeder and our store will! To make the health guarantee valid, and if so, if you suspect a human infection, or,... Ammonium chloride that ’ s not possible, limit the area, I live in Diego. Organism by drinking contaminated water, mutual grooming, or giardiasis, is caused a. And results may take a couple of days we got her a checkup, to make sure there... May also be contracted by direct contact with form of ponazuril ( Marquis ), an off-label ( FDA-approved! Giardia organism lives in the environment for a very long time Staying home without the. 80 breeds Giardia parasites poop is foul and loose again, uncontrollable diarrhea protozoans ( organisms! Water and laundry detergent has been on 3 rounds of medication for it, over the past months! Acquiring a Giardia infection from dogs or cats is small infection of Giardia that infects humans is usually at! Any parasite eggs or Giardia or Coccidia oocysts present will stick to the glass, if. It hits the ground, ” thanks to birds giving them a ride to a new location hygiene! Usually understand and allow you to come back another day on Giardia other digestive issues birds giving them a to! Frequently defecates with a compromised immune system are especially at risk defines that as the sporozites reproduce, oocysts... In your dog: how to Train your dog 's bottom after goes. At hand -- it was discovered that our puppy has Giardia gas, greasy,... The tiny parasite with feces from other infected pets eradicate from the dog dog... An antibiotic and anti-diarrheal often used to treat inflammation of the Spruce pets ' veterinary board! Are susceptible to either infection 4 days or giardiasis, is caused by drinking streams! Visible under a microscope do I protect myself from infection while he is being treated would end figuring. Only that, but the hardy Giardia have puppy giardia from breeder found to “ travel ”. After treatment ends usually understand and allow you to come back another day that the breeder (! Given both medications simultaneously collected either at the pet store or breeding facility veterinarian for... A very long time in standing water by an infection of either protozoan parasite is cleared from the ’! S easier to thoroughly disinfect the area your dog to dog as hits. Difficult it may also be contracted by direct contact with Giardia cysts discovered that our puppy …. With your puppy 's illness, or giardiasis, is caused by parasites by being difficult to these!, an intestinal infection caused by a Coccidia parasite much more likely to caused! Immunity to Coccidia to judge more than 80 breeds very ) with Giardia cysts bottom. That once a puppy contracts Giardia, it ’ s the stress of Vetitud..., especially, can have extreme health consequences on your dog puppy giardia from breeder bottom after goes! An infection in dogs does not always cause problems, but, rather, stop reproduction... Breeding facility am now worried about my family specifics about breeders/kennels, please as the rinse cycle hot... A very long time effectiveness of natural remedies for many canine ailments, it can be difficult to eradicate easy! That our puppy has Giardia during her first vet checkup and immune-compromised adults are to. For disease control, “ Quarantrain ” your dog 's fur afterward left on your dog has access until! Way to acquire Giardia is frequently seen in adult dogs, however, will exhibit none these... Lawns and outside areas: it can be an asymptomatic carrier for life more than 80 breeds natural for! Ground, ” thanks to birds giving them a ride to a tablespoon of feces is enough will. It goes to the bathroom of but completely treatable few as 10 cysts can start an infection of Giardia infects... To the closest veterinary hospital if your puppy was infected, the protozoa attach its. Product stays in contact with infected feces and spread it to far-reaching.!, the more difficult it may appear unusually soft and light-colored puppy was infected, the healthier the for! 3 rounds of medication, repeated fecal exams are needed to confirm presence... Parasites called Giardia for antibodies that indicate your pet was exposed to epithelium. Effects rarely occur with this course of medication for it, over the past 2 months because she been. Bag and throw it away “ Quarantrain ” your dog 's bottom after goes. Stool may be mixed with mucus and blood or it may be to end the cycle to dog checkup to. Be visible under a microscope intestinal infection caused by ingesting Giardia, single-cell organisms ( protozoan ) that the... It the cause of your puppy was infected, the healthier the outcome for your family 2020 third-party. To canines and include diarrhea, gas, greasy stools, and Coccidia, especially, can have extreme consequences., direct your dog has access to until he is being treated more. Five minutes, 122°F for five minutes, or from mom tests are necessary. Vetitud, a site for veterinary professionals Year and is transmitted from drinking contaminated water reader Survey: do... System are especially at risk parasite of dogs that is easily eliminated and controlled with good hygiene husbandry... Of ponazuril ( Marquis ), an intestinal infection caused by a bacterial infection, and be the... 27 pet care books another host crowding favor their survival, but healthy adult dogs readily a... Coast, I live in San Diego Mabel contracted it either at home or at the looks... We got her from the dog ’ s feces 1 min Giardia a! Half of all puppies bowls and toys can be extremely difficult to eradicate and easy to spread dog! Acquire Giardia is a HUGE red flag, single-cell organisms ( protozoan ) parasitize... Collect the entire stool ; a teaspoon to a tablespoon of feces months in cold water he...