Hey Ollie blog readers! We’re offering you an exclusive 60% OFF your starter box! Try now!
If your dog has been experiencing persistent diarrhea or stomach upset, Giardia could be the culprit. This microscopic parasite infects the intestines and can cause digestive issues, weight loss, and dehydration. It spreads easily through contaminated water, food, or direct contact with infected feces, making it a common concern for pet parents.
While Giardia can be uncomfortable and sometimes tricky to diagnose, the good news is that it’s treatable with proper veterinary care. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Giardia in dogs—including symptoms, treatment options, and how to prevent reinfection.
Did you know? A healthy diet can help support your dog’s immune system and recovery from Giardia. Ollie human-grade meals provide high-quality nutrition with real ingredients, helping your pup stay strong and healthy.
Giardia is a microscopic parasite that infects a dog’s intestines, leading to digestive issues like diarrhea, weight loss, and dehydration. It spreads through contaminated water, food, soil, or direct contact with infected feces. Even dogs that appear healthy can carry and spread Giardia without showing symptoms.
Dogs contract Giardia by ingesting Giardia cysts, which are hardy forms of the parasite found in the environment. Common sources of infection include:
Once inside the body, Giardia multiplies in the intestines, leading to irritation and poor nutrient absorption.
Giardia affects the digestive system, and its most common symptom is diarrhea. However, symptoms can vary—some dogs may show no signs at all, while others experience severe stomach upset and dehydration.
Yes! Some dogs can be asymptomatic carriers, meaning they have Giardia but show no outward signs of illness. However, they can still spread the parasite to other pets through their stool. This is why regular vet checkups and good hygiene practices are important.
Since Giardia is microscopic and not always present in every stool sample, diagnosing it can be tricky. If your vet suspects Giardia, they will use specialized tests to confirm the infection.
If your dog has persistent diarrhea, weight loss, or signs of dehydration, it’s important to get them tested for Giardia. Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent further health complications and spreading the parasite to other pets.
If your dog is diagnosed with Giardia, your vet will prescribe medication to eliminate the parasite and stop the infection from spreading. Giardia won’t go away on its own, so proper treatment is essential.
Metronidazole – One of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for Giardia. It helps eliminate the parasite and reduces inflammation in the intestines.
Fenbendazole – Another medication often used, especially in puppies or dogs who don’t respond well to metronidazole.
Most dogs recover within 5–7 days of treatment, but severe cases may require a longer course of medication. Your vet may also recommend probiotics and a bland diet to help restore gut health during recovery.
Your vet may recommend a follow-up stool test to ensure the infection is fully cleared. Some dogs require a second round of treatment if Giardia persists.
Yes, Giardia is highly contagious and can spread between dogs, other pets, and even humans in some cases. While the risk of human infection is lower, it’s still important to practice good hygiene to prevent transmission.
Giardia is zoonotic, meaning it can spread from animals to humans, though it’s uncommon. People typically contract Giardia from contaminated water or food, but direct contact with infected dog feces could pose a risk. Symptoms in humans include diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps.
Yes! Giardia can spread between dogs and cats in the same household, as well as to other animals. If one pet has Giardia, it’s a good idea to monitor other pets for symptoms and practice strict hygiene.
Since Giardia spreads easily, prevention is key to keeping your pup safe. By following good hygiene practices and supporting your dog’s immune health, you can lower the risk of infection.
A strong digestive system makes it harder for parasites to take hold. Feeding your pup a fresh, high-quality diet, like Ollie’s human-grade meals, helps maintain a healthy gut and strong immune system.
Giardia is a common but treatable parasite that can cause digestive issues, dehydration, and weight loss in dogs. Since it spreads easily through contaminated water, food, and feces, prevention and early detection are key.
If your dog shows signs of Giardia, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy, consult your vet for testing and treatment. Medications like metronidazole or fenbendazole can help clear the infection, but proper hygiene and a strong immune system are essential for full recovery.
Supporting your dog’s gut health with high-quality nutrition can make a big difference. Ollie’s fresh, human-grade meals are crafted with digestive-friendly ingredients to help your pup recover and stay strong against future infections.
By keeping your dog’s environment clean, providing fresh water, and feeding a balanced diet, you can help prevent Giardia and keep your pup happy and healthy.
Dogs contract Giardia by ingesting contaminated water, food, or feces. Common sources include puddles, lakes, shared dog park water bowls, and dirty surfaces.
While rare, Giardia is zoonotic, meaning it can spread to humans through contact with contaminated feces or water. Practicing good hygiene, like washing hands after handling your dog’s waste, helps reduce the risk.
With proper medication and care, most dogs recover within 5-7 days. However, some cases require a second round of treatment if symptoms persist.
Some mild cases may resolve on their own, but many require veterinary treatment to prevent chronic infections and reinfection.
Provide clean drinking water, pick up waste immediately, and feed a high-quality diet to support overall gut health.
Tagged As:
The nutrition your dog needs,
the food they want.
Enjoying our articles? Subscribe our Newsletters and get new articles directly to your inbox
2 April 2025
6 MINS READ
Digestive issues are common in dogs—from loose stools to gassiness, many pups experience some level of gut imbalance during their lives. One of the best ways to support digestive health is with …
2 April 2025
8 MINS READ
Pancreatitis in dogs is a serious condition that happens when the pancreas becomes inflamed. This small but essential organ helps your dog digest food and regulate blood sugar. When it stops worki…
2 April 2025
8 MINS READ
If you’ve ever looked out at your yard to find your dog calmly munching on grass, you’re not alone. Grass eating is one of the most common behaviors that puzzles dog parents. It’s easy to assu…