How to Treat Giardia in Dogs or Puppies

Giardia is a nasty microscopic parasite that infects the intestinal tract of dogs and puppies preventing the proper absorption of food causing malnutrition and, potentially, death.

Thankfully, giardia is fairly simply to treat once you have an accurate diagnosis.

**See my article on How to Detect Giardia - link in the resource section.

Things You'll Need

• Diagnosis of Giardia in Your Dog or Puppy
• Flagyl, Valbazen, Safe-Guard or Panacur
• Bleach

Instructions

1. Obtain a proper diagnosis of giardia from your veterinarian. This consists of a simple fecal swab sample and test for the giardiasis parasite under a microscope. Don't worry, it's not that costly of a test.

2. Your vet will then likely prescribe a medication such as Albon with Flagyl. The Flagyl is what kills the giardia. The Albon is a sulfa drug that is used for intestinal upsets in dogs and puppies. Many times, a giardia outbreak can bring on coccidiosis overload in puppies and the Albon treats this secondary problem.

3. You may opt to treat giardia with alternative drugs such as Flagyl alone, Panacur (sold in liquid bottle form or in a tube intended for horse worming) or Valbazen (also sold for horses). Weigh your dog/puppy prior to dosing.

   Recommended dosages according to a vet manual:
   Flagyl - 11.5 to 15 mg/lb twice a day for 5 days
   Safe-Guard or Panacur - 22.5 to 25 mg/lb once a day for 3 days
   Valbazen - 12½ mg/lb twice a day for 2 days

   I personally have used Panacur in our kennel for adults and puppies with 100% success as well as the Albon x Flagyl mix given by my vet. Panacur (and safe-guard) is also safe for pregnant and lactating females.

4. Treat all dogs for giardia when you have even one who has been diagnosed. The majority of dogs are suspected to have some giardia anyhow and just not showing outward signs and given it's contagious, it's best to err on the side of caution.

5. Thoroughly clean all areas where the dog defecates after treatments are completed. I suggest a 30 parts water to 1 part bleach solution to kill any lingering giardia parasites. Allow this solution to sit for a half hour before rinsing off or reintroducing dogs to the area.

Tips & Warnings

• Rinse thoroughly after bleaching any surfaces frequented by young puppies. You don't want them licking it.

• Ask your vet for some Albon if it's a puppy who has giardia.

• Never use bleach cleanser with dogs present due to the fumes. Return dogs to area after properly ventilating area.

• Flagyl can have side effects. Read up on them before administering so you are prepared. (why I prefer Panacur, myself)

Resources

• Author's Coonhounds
• How to Detect Giardia in Your Dog or Puppy