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Old 12-27-2011, 02:45 PM   #1 (permalink)
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Default Recurring Giardia?

My 6 month old keeps getting Giardia (4th time since we got him at 8 weeks old). It's extremely frustrating. I feel like he's always on antibiotics and it can't be good. I suspect the source is drinking from water puddles/fountains at the dog park (we try really hard so he doesn't but it's impossible to totally prevent it). Are there any suggestions on what to do? I can' imagine how dogs do it "in the wild" since they just eat/drink whatever they want. thanks in advance.
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Old 12-27-2011, 03:06 PM   #2 (permalink)
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Dog Owner's Guide: Giardia

knowledge is power...
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Old 12-27-2011, 03:13 PM   #3 (permalink)
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How long is she on antibotics at a time? I had one that had to go on them 3 separate times for 3 weeks each before we finally got rid of it. What is she on? Some vets use panacur, some use metronidazole, and some use a combo.

Do you pick up the yard as soon as he goes? Keep the yard clean. I would spray with a bleach/water solution (look up to see the ratio so it doesn't kill your grass) and would not let her drink at the dog park...well I wouldn't let her go to the dog park period.
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Old 12-27-2011, 03:25 PM   #4 (permalink)
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How long is she on antibotics at a time? I had one that had to go on them 3 separate times for 3 weeks each before we finally got rid of it. What is she on? Some vets use panacur, some use metronidazole, and some use a combo.

Do you pick up the yard as soon as he goes? Keep the yard clean. I would spray with a bleach/water solution (look up to see the ratio so it doesn't kill your grass) and would not let her drink at the dog park...well I wouldn't let her go to the dog park period.
He has been treated with metronidazole and panacur. Everytime he's infected, he takes antibiotics and then get retested. re-test always comes back clear. then a couple weeks later, he gets it again.

I pick up everything as soon as he goes and he is an inside dog. I watch him like a hawk. when he's on leash, he doesn't eat anything that I don't approve of. This makes me feel like the only possible source is when he's at the dog park. I am just wondering why other dogs can eat so much crap and be ok.

I feel like he has a good time at a dog park and it's good for socialization and exercise. A 2 hour walk doesn't seem to compare to 30 minutes at the dog park.
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Old 12-27-2011, 03:28 PM   #5 (permalink)
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Dog Owner's Guide: Giardia

knowledge is power...
I know this and I am just wondering how other people prevent their dogs from getting it so often. My dog seems to keeps repeatedly getting it even after being completely cured.
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Old 12-27-2011, 03:35 PM   #6 (permalink)
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It's not unusual for it to come back clear and the show up again. It will only show up on the test if the giardia are sluffing off at that time. It's mainly a puppy issue, as they mature their immune systems handle it but it can be tough to get rid of as a puppy. You didn't mention how long she was on treatment at a time. We did 3 wks on metro with the first 3 days including panacur.

Just be very careful at the dogpark, all too often there are dogs that should not be there (aggressive) and stupid owners that don't manage them. One bad experience for a puppy can leave lasting bad imprint.
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Old 12-27-2011, 03:37 PM   #7 (permalink)
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Dog Owner's Guide: Giardia

knowledge is power...
I know this and I am just wondering how other people prevent their dogs from getting it so often. My dog seems to keeps repeatedly getting it even after being completely cured.
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Old 12-27-2011, 03:58 PM   #8 (permalink)
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I think the dog's immune system has much to do with if they're symptomatic when they have Giardia.

I battled it with Dante for a very long time when he was young (false negative(s) and 3 rounds of antibiotics) but finally it was gone.

A couple years ago he came back positive for Giradia at his annual exam. Because he had no symptoms I chose not to treat with antibiotics and used Kocci Free instead. I had him retested in a month and he tested clear and has been on his last 2 annual exams.

Good luck, I know it can be a bear

Oh and as far as Dante not getting it often - I'm betting your dog is getting it at the dog park, I quit taking Dante to dog parks years ago
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