Giardia, the disease, is a parasitic infection of the flagellated protozoan (single-celled animal) Giardia lamblia, one of several species of the genus Giardia. Giardia infection is also called Giardiasis or "beaver fever." Dogs get Giardia from swallowing dormant cysts of Giardia found in feces of infected dogs as well as from infected water or any object contaminated with Giardia. Diarrhea is one sign your dog might have canine Giardiasis, but diagnosis is often difficult as some dogs with the infection are asymptomatic, and Giardia cysts are both tiny and fragile.
Conventional Medications for Giardia
The anti-parasitic drugs metronidazole (Flagyl) and fenbendazole (Pancur) are prescribed for Giardia in dogs most often. Other drugs your veterinarian might prescribe include Albendazole (Albenza, Eskazole or Zentel), Furazolidone (Furoxone and Dependal-M), Quanacrine or a combination of praziquantel, pyrantel and febantel. These drugs are prescribed to defeat other parasites as well, such as hookworms, roundworms, whipworms and tapeworms. Prescriptions are generally effective in three to five days. A vaccine has been developed to prevent canine Giardiasis infection.
Herbal Medications for Giardia
Herbalists claim that herbs containing the compound berberine, such as goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) and Oregon grape (Mahonia repens, or Berberis aquifolium), are effective against Giardia. Tinctures of these two herbs can be given to your dog twice daily for 10 days. Grapefruit seed extract is more commonly recommended, though treatment will take up to two weeks. For every 10 pounds of body weight, sprinkle a capsule or 10 to 15 drops of liquid grapefruit seed extract onto the dog's food three times a day. Consult with a naturopathic veterinarian before using herbal remedies on your dog. Other herbs that may help include cleavers, licorice root and garlic.
Companion Treatment for Giardia Symptoms
Veterinarians may recommend the addition of a high fiber diet to help alleviate diarrhea associated with Giardia in dogs. Herbalists recommend also a course of probiotic supplements, digestive enzyme supplements and L-Glutamine to protect the lining of stomach and intestines. The herb slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) is recommended for relief of diarrhea.
Controlling Spread of the Disease
Maintain sanitary conditions around a dog's eating area and in the rest of the home or kennel; Giardia is killed by bleach, disinfectants such as Lysol and ammonia cleaners (do not use bleach and ammonia at the same time). Do not allow a dog infected with canine Giardiasis to lick people's faces. Wash hands well in soap and water after contact with the dog. Keep feces picked up and disposed of properly. Disinfect the area if possible. Wash pets to remove Giardia cysts that may be clinging to the dog's hair. Treat all pets in the same home at the same time.
Warning
Side effects of most conventional medications given for Giardia may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss and fever. Furazolidone may cause systemic toxicity in dogs. Metronidazole should not be used in pregnant dogs because of the risk of birth defects, and can be toxic to the liver. Albendazole may be linked to bone marrow toxicosis.
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