| As a new puppy buyer you might be bring home | | | | unclean conditions can actually re-infect |
| more than you know. Giardia is commonly found | | | | itself causing a vicious cycle. |
| in the intestines of many animals, including | | | | |
| puppies, and can cause such symptoms as mild | | | | What type of treatments are available for |
| recurring diarrhea, soft light yellow colored | | | | Giardia? |
| stools, weight loss, listlessness, mucus in | | | | |
| the stool, and can lead to other health | | | | If you suspect that your new puppy may have |
| risks. | | | | Giardia, it is always best to schedule a |
| | | | visit to your veterinary clinic. Be prepared |
| So what is Giardia? | | | | for your visit by collecting a fecal sample |
| | | | to take with you. Using the sample you |
| Giardia is microscopic parasites that form | | | | supply, your vet can perform the necessary |
| cysts. These cysts cling to the surface of | | | | tests to determine if your dog actually has |
| the infected dog, or they can float free in | | | | Giardia, or some other disorder. If Giardia |
| the mucous lining and pass from the dog when | | | | is diagnosed, some of the treatments |
| he eliminates (poops). Once passed, the cysts | | | | available today include; Metronidazole |
| can survive for several months outside the | | | | (Flagyl), Furazolidone (Neftin), Tinadazole, |
| animal if sufficient moisture is present. | | | | Fenbendazole (Panacur), and Albendazole |
| | | | (Valbanzen). Your vet will prescribe the best |
| How could my puppy come in contact with these | | | | treatment for your new puppy. |
| cysts? | | | | |
| | | | My dog is not infected now, but how can I |
| If your new puppy shared a kennel with | | | | prevent him from coming in contact with |
| another dog that was infected with Giardia, | | | | Giardia? |
| chances are he ingested the cysts by licking | | | | |
| the coat of the infected dog, the floor or | | | | The best way to prevent contact wit, and the |
| surrounding area where the infected dog was | | | | spread of Giardia, is to be sure your new |
| kept, or he might have actually ingested the | | | | puppy does not drink from possible |
| feces that contained the Giardia cysts. Once | | | | contaminated water sources such as; rivers, |
| ingested, the cysts break open, in the new | | | | streams, and or stagnant standing water. |
| host, thus repeating the infection cycle. | | | | Another way to help eliminate the risk of |
| | | | Giardia is to keep your pet away from pets |
| Can my new puppy get Giardia even if he has | | | | that you don't know, that could possibly be |
| not been around an infected dog? | | | | infected. Popular places like dog parks, dog |
| | | | beaches, and other pet meeting areas can be |
| Yes. Giardia can also be found in streams or | | | | fun, but is it worth the risk of your puppy's |
| other water sources, and a dog left in | | | | health? |