Giardia in dogs and cats – what to do?

Giardia is a common intestinal parasite in dogs and cats. The parasite is microscopic and settles in the small intestine, where it multiplies and can cause symptoms. Not only young animals, but also adult dogs and cats can become infected.

How do animals get infected?
The Giardia parasite is transmitted via the feces of infected animals. The cysts (infectious form of the parasite) can survive in the environment for a long time, especially in moist places. Dogs and cats can become infected by:

Licking contaminated feces or soil
Drinking contaminated water
Contact with contaminated toys, food or water bowls, or surfaces

Symptoms of Giardia
Not every animal shows signs, but infected pets often display:

Watery, sometimes mucous diarrhea
Variable stool consistency (from well-formed to loose)
Weight loss despite eating well
Abdominal pain or flatulence
In young or weakened animals: risk of dehydration

Because these symptoms may also have other causes, a fecal test is needed to confirm Giardia.

What to do in case of infection?
If Giardia has been diagnosed in your dog or cat, there are several important steps to prevent reinfection and to control the parasite.

1. Start treatment
Your veterinarian will prescribe a course (usually fenbendazole or metronidazole).
Always complete the full course, even if symptoms improve quickly.
2. Hygiene at home and in the environment
- Wash all blankets, cushions, beds, and toys at a minimum of 60 °C.
- Clean food and water bowls daily with hot water and soap.
- Disinfect surfaces (floors, crates, litter boxes) regularly with an appropriate disinfectant.
- Remove feces immediately from the garden or litter box to prevent further spread.
3. Multiple pets in the household?
- Have other dogs or cats tested as well, even if they show no symptoms.
- Infections spread quickly within a household.
4. Follow-up test
- After treatment, perform a follow-up test to check if the infection has cleared.
- This is important, as Giardia can be persistent. Sometimes a second course is required.

Can humans get infected?
Yes, Giardia is a zoonosis: humans can also become infected. Children and people with weakened immunity are particularly at risk. Therefore, maintain strict hygiene: wash your hands thoroughly after contact with the animal or when cleaning up feces.

Conclusion
Giardia in dogs and cats can be troublesome, but with the right treatment and good hygiene the parasite can be managed effectively. By testing in time and following the advice of your veterinarian and Worm&Co, you ensure that your pet recovers quickly and the risk of reinfection remains as low as possible.