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