Giardia
Does your puppy or kitten have recurring diarrhea or is losing weight despite eating normally?
Giardia could be the cause. These single-celled intestinal parasites are widespread but unknown to many pet owners. Here you can find out what to look out for.
Giardia could be the cause. These single-celled intestinal parasites are widespread but unknown to many pet owners. Here you can find out what to look out for.
What is giardia?
Giardia are not worms, but single-celled parasites that colonize the small intestine. They are highly contagious and are transmitted via feces. The tricky thing is that the so-called cysts survive for weeks in the environment and can thus lead to repeated new infections.
Giardia are not worms, but single-celled parasites that colonize the small intestine. They are highly contagious and are transmitted via feces. The tricky thing is that the so-called cysts survive for weeks in the environment and can thus lead to repeated new infections.
Which animals are particularly affected?
Young animals are particularly prone to symptoms.
Puppies and kittens under one year of age are more likely to develop symptoms. Adult animals with a healthy immune system often show no symptoms, but can still be contagious and excrete cysts.
Typical signs:
- Recurrent diarrhea (mushy to watery, sometimes slimy)
- Weight loss despite normal appetite
- Bloated abdomen
- Vomiting
- General fatigue
How is a Giardia infection diagnosed?
We can reliably detect Giardia with a stool test. In our practices, we use a rapid test that detects Giardia antigens in the stool.
We can reliably detect Giardia with a stool test. In our practices, we use a rapid test that detects Giardia antigens in the stool.
How is giardia treated?
Treatment involves administering a suitable medication over several days. It is often necessary to repeat the treatment. Important: In households with multiple animals, all dogs and cats should be treated, even if only one is showing symptoms.
Treatment involves administering a suitable medication over several days. It is often necessary to repeat the treatment. Important: In households with multiple animals, all dogs and cats should be treated, even if only one is showing symptoms.
Good to know: Treatment is not always necessary for adult animals without symptoms. We will advise you individually.
Hygiene is part of the treatment plan
Giardia cysts are stubborn. Without thorough cleaning, new infections can occur again and again. These measures help:
Giardia cysts are stubborn. Without thorough cleaning, new infections can occur again and again. These measures help:
Daily:
- Collect feces immediately and dispose of it in a sealed bag
- Clean food and water bowls and toys with boiling water or in the dishwasher at over 65°C
- Thoroughly clean the litter box
Regularly:
- Wash baskets, blankets, and pillows at a minimum of 60°C
- Vacuum and clean scratching posts and sleeping areas
- Clean toys with boiling water or in the dishwasher
- If necessary: Bathe the animal and trim the fur around the anal region
Important: In rare cases, giardia can also be transmitted to humans. Good hand hygiene is therefore important, especially in households with small children, elderly people, or people with weakened immune systems.
Suspected giardia?
Don't worry: giardia is easily treatable. If your pet has repeated diarrhea or shows other symptoms, we can provide clarity with a stool test.