DogTime Blogs

Friday, April 3, 2009

What is Giardia (gee-are-dee-yah)?

Giardia is one of the most common parasites that cause gastrointestinal problems in animals and humans. Unfortunately, it is thought to be on the rise, being seen more commonly in pets and children.

Infection occurs through the ingestion of contaminated feces. If your pet is showing any of the following signs, seek veterinary attention immediately:
• Soft diarrhoea with or without mucus
• Dehydration
• Loss of Appetite
• Lethargy

To help prevent illness in your pets follow these steps:
• Prevent your pet from drinking stagnant water i.e. puddles, ponds
• Provide clean water every day
• Clean drinking bowls regularly
• Always clean up feces by throwing them in a bin
• Provide a fresh sample of feces every year to your veterinarian for analysis
• Practice good hygiene
• If your pet has diarrhea, do not take them to a public area and seek veterinary attention immediately

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