24/11/2025
🚨 We’re Seeing a Rise in Giardia Cases — Here’s What You Should Know 🚨
Giardia is a microscopic parasite that affects the intestines of pets and can cause unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms. It spreads quickly, especially in areas with shared water sources, kennels, dog parks, and multi-pet households.
🐾 How Pets Contract Giardia
Pets usually become infected by:
• Drinking contaminated water (puddles, streams, shared bowls)
• Licking contaminated surfaces
• Contact with infected faeces
• Grooming themselves after stepping in contaminated areas
Because the parasite is hardy in the environment, it can spread easily between pets, and reinfections are common if the environment isn’t thoroughly cleaned.
⚠️ Common Symptoms
Not all pets show symptoms, but those that do may have:
• Soft, foul-smelling diarrhoea
• Mucus in the stool
• Weight loss
• Vomiting (less common)
• Tiredness or reduced appetite
🩺 How We Diagnose It
Diagnosis is done through a stool test that detects Giardia cysts or antigens. Sometimes more than one sample is needed because shedding can be intermittent.
💊 How Giardia Is Treated
Treatment usually includes:
• Prescription anti-parasitic medication
• Supportive care if your pet is dehydrated or has severe diarrhoea
• Strict hygiene — bathing your pet, cleaning bedding, bowls, floors, and outside areas
• Follow-up testing, as reinfection is common
🧼 Important: Giardia is zoonotic which means it can be transmitted to humans. Cleaning is essential! Without proper disinfection, pets and people can easily re-infect themselves.
If your pet has diarrhoea, especially if it’s persistent or mucus-filled, book an appointment with us. Early treatment helps prevent spread and keeps your pet comfortable.
📞 Valley Farm Animal Hospital: 012 991 3573
Stay safe and keep those paws clean! 🐶✨
