What You REALLY Need to Know About Treating GIARDIA at Home
Giardia in dogs can be a real hassle for your canine family member. Besides making your pet feel fatigued and lethargic, this health issue can also make him exhibit symptoms of diarrhea and can even lead to dehydration in some cases.
In this blog post, I will walk you through the things you need to know about treating giardia in dogs at home. And make sure you follow along until the end, because I will also share my favorite tip for naturally dealing with giardia at home.
Let’s begin our discussion by finding out what Giardia in dogs really is…
What Exactly is Giardia in Dogs?
At its simplest, dog giardia is a type of parasite that likes to hang out in the intestines. If a dog’s immune system isn’t up to par, the giardia parasite may set off gastrointestinal issues that can range from loose watery stools to excessive flatulence.
It is important to keep in mind that, while all dogs may be prone to giardia, this parasite usually affects older dogs and puppies whose immune responses may be weakened or still haven’t fully developed yet.
Moreover, giardia is very contagious in older dogs and puppies. This has a lot to do with their digestive systems. Older dogs tend to have a weaker digestive system that cannot fight off parasites and other unwanted visitors at once.
On the other hand, puppies tend to have a still developing digestive system, which isn’t as responsive as it should when parasites like giardia drop by unexpectedly. This is why it’s crucial that you boost your dog’s digestive system and immune system health in general, so he won’t be easily vulnerable to giardia and similar health issues.
Dog Parks: One of the Biggest Risk Factors for Giardia
While this may sound surprising, the dog park is one of the places where your pet can unexpectedly catch the giardia parasite. If you’re looking to protect your precious pet even more the next time you’re visiting the place, here are some important things to keep in mind:
Tip #1: Don’t allow your dog to socialize with unfamiliar dogs.
Letting your canine family member mingle with dogs you are not familiar with can make him prone to giardia. See, dogs typically greet each other by sniffing one another’s rear regions. If your precious pooch happens upon a dog that’s infected with giardia, then licks his nose, chances are he will also be vulnerable to the parasite.
I’m not saying that you should keep your dog from socializing with other dogs at the park. Just make sure he will only mingle with the ones you personally know, and you’re good to go.
Tip #2: Only let your dog play in areas where other dogs don’t usually poop.
Giardia is commonly transmitted through fecal matter. If your pooch gets in contact with poop from another dog that’s infected with this parasite, it’s highly likely that he will become infected too.
While we’re on the subject, remember to keep your dog away from toys and similar objects from unfamiliar dogs, since giardia can also stick to their surfaces. Take note of the safe areas beforehand where you will allow your dog to play and frolic just to be extra sure.
Tip #3: Keep clear from public drinking and eating areas for dogs.
Since giardia affects the digestive system, this parasite can also be possibly transmitted through the saliva of an infected dog. Say your pet eats or drinks from a place where an infected dog just had a treat or drink. It’s very likely that the parasite will be transmitted to him or her.
Additionally, it is also highly recommended that you bring your very own drinking or eating containers, that your dog can exclusively use.
Tip #4: Always make sure that you properly clean and dispose of your dog's poop.
There is always the possibility that your dog is a carrier of the giardia parasite. Remembering to clean and dispose of your canine family member’s waste appropriately when you’re at the dog park also keeps other dogs from catching this unwanted visitor.
Symptoms of Giardia in Dogs You Should Keep an Eye On
The most common indicator that your pooch has been infected with this parasite is loose, watery stools, which eventually become diarrhea. In some cases, the diarrhea may become so severe that a dog could already be at risk of dehydration.
Should you notice that your dog is suffering from diarrhea, keep in mind to give him or her access to fresh clean water at all times to prevent things from becoming more serious sooner or later.
Other symptoms of giardia infection also include low appetite levels, lethargy, bouts of vomiting, as well as excessive and smelly flatulence.
One Crucial Thing You Need to Know About Giardia Transmission
Here’s where things get a bit tricky…
Some dogs that get giardia don’t exhibit any symptoms of the disease at all. However, they can still transmit the parasite to other animals, and even people. This is the biggest reason why you should always ensure that your pooch has a strong digestive system, so he won’t be easily vulnerable to this parasite.
Just to emphasize, giardia in dogs is quite contagious. Besides the fact that it will become so much worse if not given proper and immediate care, there is also the possibility that the parasite will spread to your other pets at home.
Additionally, the risk of transmission is also very high if you have a baby. With the young child crawling on surfaces that may be tainted with giardia, infection is quite imminent.
Treating Giardia in Dogs using Natural Means
Giardia is a disease that should be treated immediately. And unlike what a lot of people mistakenly think, conventional medicines aren’t just your only options when dealing with this health problem.
So, without further ado, here are the natural remedies you can go for when giardia in dogs strikes:
Giardia in Dogs Home Remedy #1: Cloves
According to the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI), these aromatic buds contain an essential oil called eugenol that is seen to significantly inhibit parasitic growth.
To use cloves for getting rid of giardia in dogs, add a tiny pinch of this powdered spice to your canine family member’s food. In case you’re finding it tricky to measure the amount
you’re going to mix in, just use your thumb and forefinger to pick up the spice, and you’re good to go.
Giardia in Dogs Home Remedy #2: Goldenseal
Another study published in the NCBI relates that goldenseal contains a major alkaloid called berberine, that has been seen to help relieve digestive issues, such as amoebiasis, diarrhea, as well as cholera.
To use goldenseal as a home remedy for giardia, mix in a couple of pinches of the powdered root of this herb to 1/4th of a cup of hot water. Let the mixture steep until it cools down completely and then serve this goldenseal tea to your dog.
Can a Dog become Immune to Giardia?
Well, the truth is a dog cannot become immune to this parasite. Regardless of how many times your pooch gets affected with giardia, he won’t become immune to this health problem.
This simply means that so long as your canine family member becomes exposed to this parasite, he will possibly be infected again and again.
But think about it this way. Although you can’t make your pooch immune to giardia, you can however boost his digestive and immune system health, so he won’t be easily vulnerable to this parasite. This brings us to the next part of our discussion…
Our Top Natural Picks for Giardia in Dogs You Should Consider
See, one of the ways you can remedy Giardia infection in dogs is by giving your pooch a healthy and balanced digestive system.
PROBIOPET is specifically designed to promote and support a healthy gut flora for a dog, so he won’t be easily vulnerable to the effects of the Giardia parasite. PROBIOPET is loaded with dog friendly probiotics that helps ensure his digestive system will always be in good shape.
Another Zumalka product that you should check out is SILVERPET. Apart from being made with a base of colloidal silver, this premium natural product also helps maintain the good functioning of all body systems, particularly stomach and gastrointestinal health.
While SILVERPET can be used by itself to strengthen your dog’s immune system, it can also be given in addition to medical treatment.
Quick Recap
Protecting your beloved dog against the giardia parasite shouldn’t be a guessing game. It’s high time you got the peace of mind you’ve always wanted for your canine family member without overspending by going for more budget-friendly yet still effective natural options.
If you’d like to know more about how to get rid of giardia in dogs naturally or have some other questions about this disease, please feel free to contact us at any time. You’ll be connected with a pet homeopathy professional shortly.
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