Coccidia and Giardia

What are they? How do puppies get them? How do I treat it? 

Both coccidia and giardia are protozoa- a single cell organism. Sometimes these protozoa do not cause a problem and sometimes they are the culpret for gastric upset. They are hardy, live in the soil, can contiminate drinking water and often giardia is the the cause for “travelers’s diaharrea” in people.

– Often dogs are silient carriers of both of these Protozoa because in healthy adult dogs (and humans) they pass through the intestional tract and cause no issues. This means they are passed into the enviroment for others to pick up and the cycle continues. No big deal for most adult dogs but can be quite troublesome to puppies with immature immune systems, especially those under stress. (Weaning, going to a new home, traveling, etc.)

Article from Dr. Melinda Pool- fellow Aussie breeder and veterinarian.

How do puppies get Coccidia or Giardia?

Often it is contracted from the soil, or contaminated grass where other dogs (carriers) have deficated. Other animals, such as mice and rats are always carriers. *This is why it is important to take your pup to potty somewhere other than where many other dogs have been-more later on this.

Another way puppies can contract Coccidia or Giardia is from contaminated water- such as they go play in thier litter box, get feces on their feet and go play in the water bowl- it is very important to always pick up feces in the yard, keep clean water, and use a clening agent that will kill these protozoa.

Because both coccidia and giardia are so prevelent in the enviroment- yard, soil, etc. We take proactive measures to keep the organisms to a minimum. (you should too with a new puppy in the home)

• No outside dogs allowed
• Constant cleaning of water bowls
• Clean litter box of feces multiple times each day
• Pick up adult dog feces in the yard daily
• Use rodent prevention
• Weekly baths for puppies
• Anaseptic bath and clipping of fethers before birth of pups on mom’s.

How is it treated?

   Depending on the infection, different treatment methods are employed. As always prevention is key- keeping puppies clean is a huge deal! Drugs such as metrodizole, ponzauril, and fenbendazle are all treatment methods dpending on the type and severity of the infection. (See article for specific dosing information)

More information

Revival Animal Health – Giardia in Cats and Dogs

Revival Animal Health – Coccidia in Cats and Dogs