Giardia - Help needed!

[hollylouise]

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My 12 week old bernedoodle puppy has Giardia. I’m pretty convinced she’s had it the entire time we’ve owned her but the vet has only just done a stool sample to confirm it (I’m a first time dog owner so didn’t know enough to push). She’s on day 4 of panacur with no improvement (constant diarrhoea with blood and mucus) and now the vet wants to do another three day stool sample before they’ll prescribe further treatment.
They’ve given no guidance on how to stop her getting it again as she has had diarrhoea over every inch of the garden which can’t be helped but I don’t know what I need to be doing in or outside the house.
HELP!!!

 

[JudyN]

How does she seem in herself? Is she eating and drinking OK? I've no medical advice to offer, but I wonder if it's worth trying to arrange to speak to your vet on the phone to ask some specific questions - arm yourself with a written list, and make sure you get a clear answer to each one.

 

[hollylouise]

She is super playful, eating well and drinking well so all good on that front. I called the vet and the only advice they gave was to wash her feet when she comes in from the garden which I’m doing with wipes but was hoping for something more detailed as there is so much conflicting information online about what I should do with regards to disinfecting the garden/house.

 

[JudyN]

I'd have thought that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would be a reliable source: About Giardia and Pets

In your position, I think I'd do as much as I can from their recommendations, but not worry if I can't clean everything - he should recover just fine, and you're unlikely to catch it.

 

[Cath S]

My dog had giardia aground the same age. It took a while to go and the vet did say it takes a few courses for it to be cured. Think it took 3 courses in the end.

 

[Anya]

My 12 week old bernedoodle puppy has Giardia. I’m pretty convinced she’s had it the entire time we’ve owned her but the vet has only just done a stool sample to confirm it (I’m a first time dog owner so didn’t know enough to push). She’s on day 4 of panacur with no improvement (constant diarrhoea with blood and mucus) and now the vet wants to do another three day stool sample before they’ll prescribe further treatment.
They’ve given no guidance on how to stop her getting it again as she has had diarrhoea over every inch of the garden which can’t be helped but I don’t know what I need to be doing in or outside the house.
HELP!!!

Hi, I had never heard of Giardia before and have been a dog owner for years! Brought my new pup home and had exactly the same as you - my vet advised to do elimination process to find out what he was sensitive to but long story short 6 months later the pet shop assistant advised me to go get him tested for it after trying everything else. Yes he did indeed have Giardia and was told probably had it since birth as quite common for mum to pass to her pups. This was four years ago and if I remember correctly they used a worming tablet to treat him over three months. He was tested again and still Positive so another months course and he was fine. He is now on a raw diet and in good health. But like you when he had it he was in no pain and still full of life. I think if puppies are having diarrohea maybe vets should think about testing for this before doing anything else. I have spoken to many dog owners now who have had the same experience. I was told not to let him drink from dirty water or rivers/streams as Giardia parasite can be passed this way. My vets did give me a lot of literature on it which was very helpful. It is also contagious and I had to let as many dog owners know as well as the breeder who my pup had been in contact with. I would definitely ask your vets to give you as much literature on it as possible but I can safely say once he is over this he will improve so much. No more diarrohea or sickness. Good luck and hope this has helped a little.

 

[Anya]

My 12 week old bernedoodle puppy has Giardia. I’m pretty convinced she’s had it the entire time we’ve owned her but the vet has only just done a stool sample to confirm it (I’m a first time dog owner so didn’t know enough to push). She’s on day 4 of panacur with no improvement (constant diarrhoea with blood and mucus) and now the vet wants to do another three day stool sample before they’ll prescribe further treatment.
They’ve given no guidance on how to stop her getting it again as she has had diarrhoea over every inch of the garden which can’t be helped but I don’t know what I need to be doing in or outside the house.
HELP!!!

Oh I am so sorry I have just realised you posted this back in November and here I am rattling on! My apologies - I am hoping your beautiful puppy is completely free of Giardia now and in good health.