Giardiasis In Dogs: What Is It All About?

Giardiasis is a disease that frequently affects dogs. It is a cell called giardia that causes this pathology, which occurs in the intestinal hairs  preventing the absorption of food and causing  an infection in the small intestine. 

Giardia generally settles in the duodenum, where it reproduces and feeds until the small intestine begins the process of dehydration. Before being eliminated, it forms a cyst that animals excrete through the faeces, a matter that converts into a transmitter of the disease.

In a short time, millions of parasites  can appear  from a single cyst, which  can only be seen by analyzing the feces under a microscope.

Early detection and diagnosis

Giardiasis in dogs is an infection that generally goes undetected due to the fact that it has no symptoms in the early stages. However, once the disease progresses, the most obvious signs are diarrhea and weight loss in chronic cases.

Ingestion of one or more cysts can cause this disorder. Because they are cyclically eliminated, many stool samples need to be examined to detect symptoms.

This means  that the fecal matter of a sample may or may not contain the cell; similarly, the analysis can turn out to be negative one day and positive the next.

Giardiasis is transmitted both by direct dog-to-dog contact, and through food and water. On many occasions its pathogenic action is strengthened by the appearance of bacteria, fungi and viruses, which aggravate the clinical symptoms and the severity of the disease.

This pathology can cause permanent damage to the intestines and internal organs. Likewise, anorexia, vomiting and neurological disorders have been found in dogs that have undergone prolonged treatments.

What to do once giardiasis has been diagnosed?

Once the disease has been identified, steps must be taken to eliminate it quickly and to prevent it from spreading. One of the first actions to take is to bathe the animal. You need to clean the tail well, as it is the place where cysts most often lodge.

Once a week and until the disease disappears completely, you need to clean all areas where the dog spends time. Also sanitize the water and food bowls.

If you also have other animals, have them checked. At the same time, examinations at the veterinarian must be repeated once a week and one month after the detection of the disease.

How to prevent giardiasis in dogs 

The dog can be a source of infection not only for other animals, but also for the people who live with him. For this reason, it is important to consider preventive measures that aim to prevent the dog from contracting the disease.

Since it is a zoonosis, regular hygiene  that guarantees the protection of the inhabitants of the house, especially if there are children, is essential.

Also, do not allow the dog to drink dirty water. One solution is to place the bowl in an area where the birds cannot reach it to do their business inside.

Pesticides are a good way to prevent this type of infection; there are many options on the market, from sprays to collars. They prevent the appearance of parasites without causing side effects.