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Coccidia & Giardia ~
What You Need To Know
Dogs, Parasites & Bacteria
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Healthy adult dogs usually can handle and balance the various bacteria and parasites they are exposed to or that naturally occur in their digestive system.
However, when an imbalance of these various types of bacteria and parasites takes place the dog can succumb to an overload and become ill. When the immune system, due to stress, or other factors, is compromised these bacteria and parasites can get out of control.
Your Luxe Yorkie
At Luxe Yorkshire Terriers we keep all our dogs and puppies on a veterinarian recommended deworming and anti-parasite schedule. Every puppy that leaves Luxe Yorkshire Terriers will have been dewormed several times and had medication to combat coccidia and giardia.
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Pens, bedding, and outdoor play areas are all disinfected on a regular schedule and we allow no outside dogs on our premises, nor do our dogs travel off of our property, they have plenty of room to roam here. Puppies are not allowed to roam all over the property, they are kept with mama and inside our home until it is time for them to go to yours.
About Coccidiosis
About Giardiasis
Coccidia are small protozoans that multiply in the intestinal tracts of dogs, cats, goats, and other animals though most commonly in kittens, puppies, and kids.
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Most animals carry the coccidia parasite which lies dormant until the immune system is compromised. Healthy adult animals usually can handle and balance the various bacteria and parasites they are exposed to, including coccidia.
STRESS plays a significant role in activating the dormant coccidiosis. It is not uncommon for a seemingly healthy puppy or dog to arrive at its new home and develop diarrhea several days later leading to a diagnosis of coccidia. Also, adult dogs can have an overload of coccidia due to the stress of a new home, whelping, and other factors in their environment. Moving to a new home takes a huge toll on both puppies and adult dogs.
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The primary signs that your dog or puppy has coccidia are mild to severe diarrhea, that may contain blood and mucous. Severely affected animals may also vomit, lose their appetite, become dehydrated, lethargic and in some instances, die.
Giardiasis, aka Giardia, are small protozoans that can affect nearly all warm blooded beings, humans and animals. Animals or people can be affected by consuming water that is contaminated with Giardia cysts or contact with infected feces.
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Due to the environment, most animals already carry the Giardia parasite which can also lie dormant until the immune system is compromised. Most animals domestic or wild carry Giardia in their feces and it can be spread through groundwater, dirty hooves or paws and sniffing or licking infected animals.
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Giardia blocks intestinal absorption and can cause mild to severe diarrhea, that may contain blood and mucous. It causes weight loss, listlessness, dehydration and can cause scarring in the small intestine, as well as, pancreatic insufficiency and malabsorption syndromes.
Treating Parasites
Parasites can seem daunting. The good news is that as pets age they can develop a natural immunity to the effects of many parasites they may carry, mainly Coccidia and Giardia, as long as the parasite load is not too great or the pet does not have a compromised immune system.
Your pet can carry many different types of parasites, worms and bacteria. Don’t let this cause you dismay, just remember that the most important factor in keeping a healthy pet is to put your time and effort into giving preventative care.
Be sure to feed your pet a high quality diet, give them plenty of exercise and proper socialization. A clean environment and frequent well pet checks including fecal testing, can also help your pet avoid serious complications from infestations.
Disinfecting your pets’ environment, including food and water dishes, on a regular basis is extremely important.
Traditional treatment for Coccidia or Giardia consists of administering Albon, Flagyl or Marquis for 10 to 14 days. In some cases, numerous 10-14 day treatment cycles are needed.
Always consult your veterinarian with any questions or concerns or if you suspect your pet may have a parasite infestation.
Always consult your veterinarian with any questions or concerns or if you suspect your pet may have a parasite infestation.
The information contained within this pamphlet is solely for informational purposes, and DOES NOT replace licensed professional veterinary care. The information contained within this pamphlet or on our website is subject to interpretation and an evaluation of an animal's medical condition should be performed by a trained professional before any medical decisions are implemented. We shall not be liable to any person whatsoever for any damages, or equivalencies, or by reason of any misstatement or error, negligent or otherwise obtained in any communication from Luxe Yorkshire Terriers.