Giardia is a nasty illness that one of my spaniels has experienced.
This horrible illness is caused by a parasite that attacks the intestines and causes smelly and watery, foul coloured diarrhea and which makes your dog very unwell.
The best food to feed to a dog with giardia will be something that is easy to digest and is bland with no flavourings. Our vet recommended mashed potato mixed in with canned tuna fish. When mashed together this forms a meal which is bland but which also contains nutrition while being attractive to dogs. Your dog also needs medicine from your vet to help him to recover.
What is Giardia?
Giardia is a type of parasite that can infect both dogs and humans.
It is typically spread through contaminated food or water, and can cause gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss.
My dog picked up giardia from a trip to the beach.
If your dog has giardia, it is important to get them treatment right away to help them feel better and avoid any further complications.
Without medical support from your vet, your dog will struggle to make a recovery and may become seriously unwell.
What are the symptoms of giardia in dogs?
The most common symptom of giardia in dogs is diarrhea, which may be bloody or contain mucus.
Other symptoms can include vomiting, weight loss, appetite loss, lethargy, and fever.
If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, it’s important to take them to the vet for an evaluation.
How is Giardia diagnosed?
Giardia can be tricky to diagnose because the symptoms can be caused by other conditions as well.
Your vet will likely start with a physical exam and a review of your dog’s medical history.
They may also recommend some diagnostic tests, like a stool sample, to look for the presence of the parasite.
Should I feed my dog if he has giardia?
You should always get the professional advice of your vet if you have any concerns about treatment or the health of your dog, they will be able to offer qualified advice for your pet.
In the case of Giardia you should always get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
He will need medicines to help him to defeat the illness and recover.
From my experience of dealing with giardia in my dog, it is better to feed very small meals, several times a day, up to four times.
Your dog will need a bland diet – boiled chicken is an ideal choice mixed in with some plain, boiled white rice.
This allows your dog to get nutrition to help him to recover but this is delivered in small quantities which minimise the level of disruption to an already poorly pooch.
What should I do if my dog has giardia?
You should take him to the vet’s who can prescribe him with medicines that can help to alleviate the symptoms and the discomfort of diarrhea and which will, at the same time, deal with the nasty parasite that causes the illness.
You should also make sure that your dog has access to his own supply of clean water, which you should replace regularly.
It is important that you keep his dishes away from other dogs to prevent the risk of infection passing to them.
Keep your dog quiet, take him out frequently, on his own, as he will need to use the toilet, and make sure that you clean up any stools or diarrhea to prevent other dogs from potentially catching the illness.
Other food options for dogs with giardia
Many people have used a variety of foods to deal with giardia in their dogs, however, I have not used any of these, preferring to take the professional vet advice for my dogs.
This is not to say that these remedies and foods have worked for people, but I’m not making any recommendations, this is for information only.
Probiotics – the positive effects of probiotics for improving gut health is widely known and many dog owners have used these when feeding their dogs that have giardia
High fibre food – such as carrots,, swedes and others – cooked to make them easier to eat and digest
Seeds – pumpkin seeds added to bland and softer meals
Cloves – a US study found that the oil in cloves can assist in giardia treatment
Garlic – although not normally suited to dogs, small quantities of garlic can help to deal with parasites
How is giardia treated?
If your dog is diagnosed with giardia, there are several treatment options available.
The most common approach is to give your dog medication that will kill the parasites, such as metronidazole or fenbendazole.
Your vet may also recommend some supportive care, like IV fluids, to help your dog recover from the infection.
In addition, the vet will most likely prescribe medication(s) to treat any diarrhea or stomach issues.
Once your dog finishes treatment, the vet will probably retest them to make sure the giardia is gone.
If not, they may suggest treating all pets in your house so that none can give giardia back to your dog.
Once your dog has been diagnosed with giardia, a bland diet is essential for their treatment.
This kind of food is easy to digest and promotes healing in the gastrointestinal tract.
Vets typically recommend feeding your pet this way until their stool returns to its normal consistency; which takes anywhere from three to 10 days.
If your dog has giardia, they may also have an imbalance in the good bacteria in their gut, which is called the microbiome.
If this is suspected, your vet may recommend a therapeutic food for dogs that will help improve the balance of microbes in their gut.
Always follow the vet’s instructions carefully, make sure your dog takes all medications as prescribed, and call the vet if you don’t see any improvement after treatment has begun.
Humans can also get giardiasis.
If your dog has been diagnosed with or suspected to have the condition, you should use gloves when handling their faeces (always a good idea) and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Giardia infection in canines is usually unpleasant, but, with treatment from your vet, your dog should make a recovery.
How can I prevent giardia?
The best way to prevent giardia is to practice good hygiene and keep your dog’s environment clean.
This means regularly cleaning their food and water bowls, and being careful about where they eat and drink.
If you suspect that your dog has been exposed to contaminated food or water, it’s important to take them to the vet right away for an evaluation.
FAQs
What should I feed my dog with Giardia to help manage the condition?
When dealing with Giardia in dogs, it’s important to provide a balanced and easily digestible diet.
Opt for high-quality commercial dog food that is specifically formulated for sensitive stomachs or gastrointestinal health.
Look for easily digestible protein sources such as chicken or turkey, and avoid ingredients like grains or fillers that may further irritate the digestive system.
Can I give my dog any special supplements or probiotics to help with Giardia?
While it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any supplements or probiotics, some options may be beneficial for dogs with Giardia.
Probiotics containing beneficial bacteria strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium can help support a healthy gut flora.
Additionally, certain supplements like slippery elm bark or marshmallow root may have soothing properties for the gastrointestinal tract, but their usage should be discussed with a vet.
Are there any specific foods I should avoid feeding my dog with Giardia?
It’s important to avoid feeding your dog any foods that could exacerbate their gastrointestinal issues while dealing with Giardia.
Foods high in fat, spices, or artificial additives can be hard to digest and may worsen symptoms.
Additionally, it’s generally recommended to avoid feeding raw or undercooked meats during this time, as they may contain bacteria or parasites that could further compromise your dog’s health. Always consult with your vet to determine the best diet plan for your dog’s specific needs.
Conclusion and final thoughts
My vet told me to use a bland food made from mashed potato and tinned tuna fish and I took his advice.
You should always base your decisions on professional advice from your veterininary surgeon.
Many people report that probiotics, high fibre foods and others have supported their dog’s recovery and these may be options that your vet could recommend.
Last update on 2023-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
