How Long Does Giardia Last After Treatment?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Most people with giardiasis fully recover

within two months

after having mild to moderate digestive symptoms. Some people continue to have gastrointestinal symptoms (such as lactose intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome) long after the infection is gone.

Can Giardia come back after treatment?

Recurrence of symptoms — After being treated for Giardia and seeing symptoms improve,

some people experience a relapse

. This can happen because people are still infected with Giardia or because of changes in the intestine that cause heightened sensitivity to certain foods.

How long does Giardia last in dogs after treatment?

With proper medicine, giardia can be eliminated

within two weeks

. However, be aware that at the end of the treatment, you will need to give your dog a good and thorough bath to get rid of any cysts that could be on your dogs coat.

Can Giardia in dogs come back after treatment?

If your vet diagnoses your dog with Giardia,

there is a chance your pet will get reinfected

. It is recommended to bathe your pet regularly and disinfect their water bowls, food bowls and toys to eliminate any remaining Giardia cysts.

How long after treatment is Giardia contagious?

How Long Does Giardiasis Last? In most cases, treatment with 5 to 7 days of antiparasitic medicine will help kids recover within a week’s time. Medicine also shortens the time that they’re contagious. If giardiasis isn’t treated, symptoms can last

up to 6 weeks

or longer.

Should dogs with Giardia be quarantined?

Whether you bring in a new pet from a shelter or a breeder, Giardia LOVES to hang out where there are a lot of pets, so

a quarantine is in order for all new pets until they’ve been tested

, and pick up and discard all feces to prevent contamination of your yard.

Can Giardia cause long term problems in dogs?

Many dogs

infected with Giardia do not get any disease

. Giardiasis, the disease caused by Giardia infection, usually results in diarrhea. Having giardiasis for a long time can cause weight loss; poor condition; and even death.

Can a dog with Giardia be around other dogs?

Because Giardia is so prevalent, even an off-leash park without water can pose a risk:

if a dog has Giardia, licks his backside, and then licks another dog, the parasite can be transmitted

. If your dog steps in another dog’s affected poop and later licks its own paws, the parasite can be transmitted.

What naturally kills Giardia in dogs?

Prevent and kill parasites:

Coconut oil

can even kill giardia, one of the nastiest bugs affecting dogs and cats. It can also kill fleas when rubbed on problem areas and allowed to set in. Condition coat: Rub a dab of coconut oil between your palms then give your pet a good massage.

Can I walk my dog with Giardia?

After you are sure that Giardia is not a preexisting issue, good hygiene and easy precautions can help a lot. Bring your own water (and a dish) along for your pet dog whenever you are out for

a long walk

. Make sure to wash your hands as soon as possible after handling your canine’s stool.

How do you clean your house after Giardia?

-Always clean surfaces with soap or other disinfectant until visible contamination is gone. –

Use a bleach solution of 3⁄4 cup bleach to 1 gal of water

. Allow solution to stay in contact with the surface for AT LEAST 1-3 minutes before rinsing with clean water.

What does giardia poop look like?

The stool may range from

soft to watery, often has a greenish tinge to it

, and occasionally contains blood. Infected dogs tend to have excess mucus in the feces. Vomiting may occur in some cases. The signs may persist for several weeks and gradual weight loss may become apparent.

What is the only way to get rid of Giardia?

Several drugs can be used to treat Giardia infection. Effective treatments include

metronidazole, tinidazole, and nitazoxanide

. Other medications include paromomycin, quinacrine, and furazolidone. Some of these drugs may not be readily available in the United States.

How often should you bathe a dog with Giardia?

A study at Kansas State University showed that bathing the pet at least

1-2 times per week

to remove Giardia cysts clinging to the fur can help prevent reinfection.

Can dogs get over Giardia without meds?

When Giardia cysts are found in the stool of a healthy adult dog without diarrhea, they are generally considered a transient, insignificant finding. However, in puppies and debilitated adult dogs,

they may cause severe, watery diarrhea that may be fatal if left untreated

.

How do I know if my dog still has Giardia?

Persistent

diarrhea

is the most common sign of giardiasis, but if left untreated for a long time, weight loss and even death can occur. “Giardia often causes very watery diarrhea, so any animal that’s experiencing diarrhea after being exposed to wildlife should be suspected to have the parasite,” Diehl says.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.