Find out what to do to avoid causing irreversible damage to the intestines of your four-legged friend.
Giardia is a gastrointestinal parasite which infects most mammals and proliferates especially in humid environments. It hosts both humans and 40 different species of domestic and wild animals, including the dog and the cat .
Its life cycle is characterized by one cystic stage (cyst), in which the parasite is covered by a capsule capable of resisting external factors, and by a vegetative stage (trophozoite) in which the cysts open and the infection .
The period of incubation of Giardia varies from 5 to 20 days, after which the infecting cysts begin to be expelled in the feces.
How contagion occurs
Giardia cysts, once ingested, hatch and attack the section of the small intestine.
In dogs and cats, the main factor of transmission of the infection is represented by the ingestion of food or water contaminated by the parasite . Contagion can also occur licking their fur , if contaminated, or if the animal comes into contact with contaminated feces
The risk of recurrence is high due to the widespread presence of Giardia parasites in the environment.
Symptoms of Giardia infection
In a good percentage of cases, dogs and cats infected with Giardia have a latent infection, that is do not show obvious symptoms of illness .
However parasites damage the coating the intestinal system , compromising digestion and completely consuming the nutrients the animals need.
In the young or elderly dogs or cats and in those with compromised immune system , the effects of Giardia are decidedly more pronounced.
Main symptoms:
- weight loss
- loss of appetite
- diarrhea
- vomit
- weakness
- lethargy
- flatulence
Diarrhea usually also causes a severe dehydration , so you need to drink enough fluids to compensate for the loss of water.
If your puppy exhibits one or more of these disorders, and you think he may have contracted Giardia, intervene immediately and order the Lab4Pets laboratory test.