Help, my dog or cat has Giardia!

How do you treat Giardia?

Do you suspect that your pet has contracted a Giardia infection? Then contact a veterinarian. To diagnose a parasite infection, a stool test is performed. The veterinarian needs your pet's stool from three days for this. If the test shows that your pet indeed has a Giardia infection, it is important to treat the animal to prevent other animals from becoming infected. Giardia can be treated in two ways: with a deworming medication (containing the active ingredient fenbendazole, which is found in Panacur, for example) or with an antibiotic course (containing the active ingredient metronidazole, which is found in Metrobac or Metrazol, for example). In addition, it is advised to thoroughly clean both the animal and the environment in which the animal lives, because Giardia can survive outside the animal for a long time.

What can a dog or cat eat when they have diarrhea?

It is often advised to give pets with (persistent) diarrhea cooked rice with chicken because it is said to be easily digestible and gives the dog's or cat's intestines a chance to rest. Actually, this is a strange approach. The gastrointestinal tract of a dog or cat needs 6 to 8 weeks to get used to new food, so why would you completely change your pet's diet when your dog's or cat's intestines are already upset?

Besides the fact that the animal needs time to get used to new food, a dog or cat's body can also do very little with rice. Dogs and cats are not able to digest large amounts of rice, and rice also contains little nutritional value.

But what can you give a dog or cat with diarrhea? Choose easily digestible food with high-quality nutrients, but do not suddenly switch food types. Does your pet normally get fresh meat or wet food? Then choose meat with an easily digestible protein source, such as turkey, venison, or (white) fish. If your dog's or cat's daily menu consists of kibble, it is advised to divide the amount of kibble into smaller portions and feed the pet spread throughout the day (for example, every 2 to 3 hours). It is also recommended to skip giving snacks and other extras for a while. It is also important that the animal keeps drinking well because diarrhea can cause dehydration.

The Mono Protein canned foods for dogs from Riverwood contain 70% meat from only one protein source and are available in eight different varieties, including some easily digestible options. View here the complete range of wet food for dogs.

Hygiene and regular deworming are essential

Although you unfortunately cannot prevent a Giardia infection, you can try to minimize the chance of infection. Good hygiene is extremely important here. Below are some tips:

• Remove your cat's feces from the litter box daily and always clean up your dog's feces during walks;
• Keep your pet's food and water bowls clean;
• Regularly clean the beds where your dog or cat often lies, and if you travel with your pet, also regularly clean the car;
• Do not leave your dog or cat's food out and make sure to store the food supply neatly in a sealed food container so flies do not have the chance to transmit the parasite;
• Because the risk of a Giardia infection is higher in young animals and animals with a weakened immune system, it is advisable to avoid places where feces remain on the ground.
  
  

Finally, regular deworming of your pet is essential. Prevention is better than cure!

Many pets already enjoy Riverwood every day. Do you want your dog or cat to also enjoy our delicious foods and are you curious which variant would suit your dog or cat best? Then answer here a few questions about your dog or here about your cat and order a discounted trial package right away.