As a pet owner, you always want to ensure that your dog is happy and healthy. Part of this means being aware of the signs of potential issues. Learn how to recognize signs that your pup may have giardia. Even with the best pet insurance for dogs, you don’t want to put your dog through giardia symptoms longer than necessary.

A Quick Refresher on What Giardia Is

Before exploring the signs that your dog may have giardia, refresh your memory on what it is. This is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Giardia duodenalis. 

How Dogs Get Giardia 

Dogs can get giardia if they accidentally swallow the parasite while it is in the cyst stage. Once it reaches the dog’s intestines, the cyst becomes a trophozoite, the feeding form, and attaches itself to your dog’s intestinal wall. That is when you will likely notice symptoms. 

Accidentally swallowing the giardia parasite is easier for your dog to do than you may realize. He may do so by playing or rolling in contaminated soil or coming into contact with infected waste. He may also drink contaminated water. 

Signs of Giardia in Dogs

Take a look at the most common signs that your dog might have giardia. These include: 

1. Diarrhea and vomiting

2. Weight loss

3. Dehydration

4. Inability to gain weight

5. Poor coat appearance 

Of all of these symptoms, diarrhea is among the most noticeable. The diarrhea tends to be intermittent, and it can be watery or may just be soft. 

In terms of color, the diarrhea is typically greenish. You will likely notice mucus in the waste as well. There may also be blood in your dog’s stools. 

The symptoms of weight loss and dehydration can be a direct result of the diarrhea and vomiting. Both of those actions mean your dog is losing fluid. They also mean that your dog won’t digest food properly. Since he can’t digest it, he can’t gain weight from it. 

Healthy Adult Dogs Have the Lowest Risk

Giardia can be serious if you don’t treat it. In extreme cases, the severe weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting can cause death. However, this typically only happens if you don’t get the issue diagnosed and treated. 

Overall, healthy adult dogs have the lowest risk of serious symptoms. Senior dogs, puppies, and canines that have compromised immune systems have the highest risk. 

Not All Dogs Have Symptoms

Not every dog with giardia develops symptoms. Many are asymptomatic but can still spread giardia to other dogs. 

What to Do If You Notice Signs of Giardia

If you notice signs of giardia, then let your dog’s vet know. They will likely look at a stool sample from your dog. They may also send the sample off for testing. 

Prevent Yourself from Getting Giardia

If your dog has giardia, the good news is that you only have a small risk of becoming infected with it. 

You can further reduce the risk by always wearing gloves while gardening. Anytime you touch your pets, their waste, or any other supplies, wash your hands for 20 seconds or more. You should also disinfect and clean household surfaces regularly. 

You are much more likely to get giardia from contaminated drinking water than you are from a sick pet. 

Typical Treatment

Your dog’s vet will prescribe medications that kill the bacteria causing giardia. 

Can You Prevent Giardia?

You can also take some steps to prevent giardia. These will help stop your dog from ever developing the symptoms of it. 

Start by making sure your dog always has fresh, clean water. This way, he won’t be as tempted to drink from puddles. That is important, as puddles may be contaminated. 

You should also stay on top of cleanliness, especially when it comes to your dog’s feces. Take the time to clean up his feces as soon as you can. That reduces the risk of giardia cysts entering the nearby environment. Remember that playing in giardia-infected soil can get your dog sick.