Giardia
Giardia are parasitic protozoans (single celled organisms) found in the intestines of many animals, including dogs. This microscopic parasite clings to the surface of the intestine or floats free in the mucous lining within the intestine. It is generally thought to occur in dogs at rates of 5-10% (as high as 50% in puppies) based on surveys of many countries and is generally transmitted when microscopic cysts are ingested by our dogs coming into contact with contaminated feces or drinking water. Once the host animal has consumed the giardia cyst, it invades the intestine, hatches into a motile form (capable of active movement), feeds and then reproduces and multiplies all the while causing inflammation of the intestine in the host animal. The motile cyst makes its way into the large intestine, transforms into a non-motile cyst and is shed into the feces serving as the source for infection of the next animal it contacts. Giardia cysts are particularly hardy and therefore can survive for very long periods of time especially in cool moist environments. It is of particular concern as the spring thaw begins and the cysts from contaminated feces from either domestic or wild animals make their way into streams and ponds during the runoff. The other concern arises when dogs step in contaminated feces left behind at the park and later ingest the cysts when licking and grooming themselves.
Since most of the symptoms of giardiasis (the technical term for infection by giardia) resemble so many other gastro-intestinal problems, it is difficult to know for sure if your dog is infected. Some dogs show no symptoms and act as carriers of the disease, while others exhibit symptoms ranging from mild recurring light-coloured soft stools to acute explosive diarrhea. Gradual weight loss, listlessness, lethargy and mucous in the stool are some of the more long-term symptoms that might be present, but not necessarily. Therein lies the difficulty in actually diagnosing giardia cases. Even with repeated fecal samples, the cysts are intermittently shed and not always seen in the sample. Newer tests for giardia-specific protein offer better screening success and are able to detect cases that would have been previously missed but this too is not foolproof. Although several treatment protocols are available once a diagnosis is made, the success rate for eradication of the infection is also not 100%. So what is the best way to protect our dogs from giardia infection? As with all wellness regimens, the most sustainable and successful management strategy is always mindful prevention. With all the necessary information about how giardia lives, infects and multiplies, there are many strategies we can incorporate to reduce the risk that our dogs will come into contact with it.
1. BRING YOUR OWN CLEAN WATER FOR FIDO … The easiest way to prevent a giardia infection in dogs is to keep him or her from drinking out of pools of water in nature. Ponds, lakes, puddles and all other bodies of water found in nature have the potential to be infected and can pass that infection to your dog. When you visit the dog park, especially, bring your own water for your dog and don’t allow puddles, ponds or streams to become handy refreshments.
2. STOOP AND SCOOP IN THE PARK OR ON NATURE TRAILS (even if it’s not yours) … Once again, we stress the importance of making this a universal responsibility, that while you’re bent over picking up after your dog, you might as well pick up anything else you see. Even if it doesn’t belong to your dog, ignoring it could potentially make it your problem.
3. CLEAN YOUR DOG’S PAWS … If you have visited the park or greenspace during this time of increased concern, take the extra precaution of giving your dog’s paws a good wipe with a wet cloth making sure to get between the pads and around the nails where feces may have been inadvertently picked up. Don’t forget to wash your own hands afterwards!
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, exposure to any potential health risk is always best dealt with when your dog has a healthy immune system and robust constitution. Consult your veterinarian about yearly ‘wellness’ checkups. Good nutrition from whole foods, plenty of exercise and rest and a happy life go a long way to minimizing and preventing disease…for us and for our dogs!! That’s wellness.
