Dog Giardia Treatment

" Dog giardia treatment is necessary when a protozoan enters a dog's system causing symptoms such as greasy diarrhea along with progressive weight loss and dehydration. Unfortunately, there is no approved specific treatment for the condition. Giardia in dogs is treated through case to case variation depending upon a dog's response towards a spectrum of anti-parasitic drugs. Therefore, a thorough clinical examination and confirmatory diagnostic approach using laboratory testing is required before administering specific drugs. Along with any prescribed treatment, there is a natural dog giardia treatment mode using herbal remedies, which can help to improve symptoms and lower the chance of side effects caused by anti-parasitic drugs. "

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Giardia in Dogs:

The causative protozoa of this canine disease are ingested from the environment, in the form of a cyst. Trophozoites are released from these cysts, which, once they reach the intestine, the trophozoites attach themselves to the intestinal walls. Once attached, they cause a disturbance in the absorption of nutrients through the villi of the small intestine.

Additionally, trophozoites consume most of the nutrients, therefore an affected dog progressively loses weight and shows symptoms such as diarrhea. The diarrhea will contain mucous and fats. It will also have a bad odor.

Dog Giardia Treatment is Required for Symptoms Such as Canine Diarrhea

The major symptom of giardia in dogs is diarrhea, which is only noticed in true giardiasis (disease). Partial or mild infection by giardia in dogs does not cause any symptoms at all or the feces will appear to be pale, have a bad odor and is soft as compared to normal.

The diarrhea is not watery, but has mucous in it and is rich in fats. It is excreted in small amounts with several episodes a day. Additionally, the dog does not feel any loss of appetite, but loses weight over time. Dehydration is noticed in cases where there are severe infections. Vomiting is occasional and cannot be included as a clinical indicator for giardiasis in dogs.

Diagnosis is made through clinical examination, a dog's history and repeated fecal flotation techniques. Cysts are isolated in saline fecal smears under a microscope. Differential as well confirmatory diagnostic approaches are required, and are repeated at various times in order to reach a final diagnosis. Additional tests, which help in the identification of the sensitivity of the patient towards anti-parasitic drugs might be required in some dogs, especially in puppies.

Specific Dog Giardia Treatment:

Giardiasis in dogs is never easy to diagnose. Researchers believe that more work is needed to truly understand the disease. On the basis of poor information about the mode of action of this protozoan, there is no approved specific treatment currently available. Anti-parasitic drugs are used for treating giardiasis, regardless of the health risks a dog may experience, since no other option is available to eliminate the parasite.

Several anti-parasitic drugs, like Metronidazole (Flagyl), Albendazole, Quanacrine have been used as a giardia treatment in dogs, but these reportedly cause different severe side effects, such as liver toxicity, toxicity for embryos, bone marrow toxicity, lethargy, fever and anorexia (loss of appetite).

Modern research has revealed that Fenbendazole is the most effective specific dog giardia treatment, and no side effects have been reported so far. Additionally, this drug can be used in pregnant and lactating animals without any risk. Another combination of Praziquantel, febantel, and pyrantel pamoate decreases the excretion of cysts in feces and significantly controls diarrhea, thus reducing the chance of polluting the environment and transmission to other pets.

Symptomatic Dog Giardia Treatment:

Though specific medications can significantly control symptoms, veterinarians usually do not recommend excessive and prolonged use of these drugs. It is always better to separately control symptoms with supportive measures and symptomatic drugs. Several drugs which control intestinal motility, increases absorption of water and nutrients in intestine and enhancing appetite are prescribed along with specific anti-parasitic drugs.

Similarly, dehydrated dogs with giardia are administered excessive fluids through oral and intravenous routes. Supportive supplements can enhance appetite and degrading body conditions.

Natural Dog Giardia Treatment:

Since, specific drugs cause severe side effects, natural remedies are best for mild giardia infections and for support along with specific drugs recommended by a veterinarian (for early recovery). Natural remedies are extracted from herbs, and rarely have side effects. Different products such as slippery elm, grapefruit seeds, garlic, Oregon grape and licorice etc are some examples, which can help to control diarrhea and support overall body condition of a a dog with giardiasis.

Commercially available natural remedies can be very effective. Consider Natural Moves for Pets, which can help to control diarrhea and make the stool firm, Digestive Support , to support the digestive system and help with the absorption of nutrients and Parasite Dr. to help combat the protozoal infestation, improve the immune system, and sooth the digestive tract.

Supportive supplements such as probiotics/digestive enzymes and L-Glutamine can help to improve the overall absorption of nutrients. Natural remedies and supportive supplements are recommended for not only improving body condition, but also helps in achieving an early recovery; due to which specific prescription medications are not required to be used for the long term and thus the chance of toxicities and other side effects are reduced.

References:

Pitcairn, Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005)

George Washington University

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