Giardia & Intestinal Worms in Dogs: Prevention and Treatment

Giardia & intestinal worms in dogs are common parasitic infections that affect the digestive tract and can lead to diarrhea, weight loss, and ongoing health concerns if left untreated. With routine screening, proper prevention, and timely veterinary care, Giardia & intestinal worms in dogs are highly manageable and often fully treatable.

Fleas, ticks, and heartworms often get the most attention, but Giardia & intestinal worms in dogs remain a frequent concern for veterinarians in Oxford, MS. These parasites spread easily through contaminated soil, water, and feces, and they can affect dogs of all ages. Understanding how Giardia & intestinal worms in dogs spread, what symptoms to watch for, and how prevention works can help protect your pet and reduce the risk of reinfection.

Common Types of Intestinal Parasites in Dogs

Giardia & intestinal worms in dogs include several different parasites, each with its own risks and treatment approach. The most common intestinal parasites seen in dogs include:

• Roundworms
• Hookworms
• Whipworms
• Tapeworms
• Giardia
• Coccidia

Many puppies are born with intestinal parasites, particularly roundworms. This often happens when the mother passes parasites to her litter during pregnancy or nursing. For this reason, early parasite screening and deworming are standard parts of a puppy’s initial veterinary visits. Addressing Giardia & intestinal worms in dogs early helps support healthy growth and prevents ongoing exposure in the home. If your dog is due for parasite screening or deworming, call Bottletree Animal Hospital at (662) 234-4336 to schedule an appointment.

Symptoms of Giardia & Intestinal Worms in Dogs

Signs of Giardia & intestinal worms in dogs can vary depending on the parasite, the dog’s age, and overall health. Some dogs show mild symptoms, while others develop more noticeable digestive issues. Common symptoms include:

• Diarrhea, which may be soft, watery, or persistent
• Vomiting
• Blood or mucus in the stool
• Scooting or dragging the rear end
• A swollen or distended abdomen
• Weight loss despite a normal appetite
• Low energy or lethargy

In some cases, pet owners may notice visible worms or tapeworm segments in their dog’s stool or around the tail area. Tapeworm segments often resemble small grains of rice. Giardia and several other parasites cannot be seen without laboratory testing, which is why stool exams are important when evaluating Giardia & intestinal worms in dogs.

What Is Giardia in Dogs?

Giardia is a microscopic, single-celled parasite that lives in the intestines. Giardia & intestinal worms in dogs differ in structure, but Giardia is one of the most common causes of parasite-related diarrhea in puppies and young dogs. Dogs become infected with Giardia by ingesting contaminated water, soil, or fecal matter. This often happens when dogs drink from ponds, lakes, puddles, or shared water sources. Giardiasis, the disease caused by Giardia, commonly results in diarrhea that may come and go. Without treatment, prolonged infection can contribute to poor body condition and weight loss.

Preventing Giardia & Intestinal Worms in Dogs

Preventing Giardia & intestinal worms in dogs starts with limiting exposure and maintaining consistent parasite control.

Avoid Contaminated Water Sources

Dogs face a higher risk of Giardia when swimming or drinking from ponds, creeks, or standing water. Always provide clean, fresh drinking water when outdoors and discourage drinking from unknown sources.

Prompt Feces Removal

Parasites spread through infected feces. Picking up waste promptly helps limit environmental contamination and reduces the risk of reinfection, especially in dogs currently being treated for Giardia & intestinal worms in dogs.

Practice Good Hygiene

Wash hands after handling dog waste and clean areas where accidents occur. This helps reduce environmental exposure within the home.

How to Reduce the Spread of Intestinal Parasites

Giardia & intestinal worms in dogs can spread between pets, especially in shared spaces.

• Clean Up After Your Dog: Remove feces from yards, walking areas, and litter spaces regularly. Many parasites remain infectious in soil for extended periods.
• Use Caution at Dog Parks: Dog parks can increase exposure risk, even when rules are in place. Parasite eggs and larvae can persist in shared environments, making it easier for Giardia & intestinal worms in dogs to spread.
• Routine Stool Testing: Annual fecal testing allows veterinarians to identify parasites before symptoms become severe. Dogs with a history of Giardia & intestinal worms in dogs may need more frequent screening.

Treatment for Giardia & Intestinal Worms in Dogs

Giardia & intestinal worms in dogs are treatable with veterinarian-prescribed medications. Treatment plans depend on the type of parasite identified and your dog’s overall health. Some dogs require repeat testing or additional treatment rounds to ensure complete elimination.

Over-the-counter dewormers often fail to address all parasites and may not effectively treat Giardia. Veterinary guidance ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for Giardia & intestinal worms in dogs.

Year-Round Parasite Prevention Matters

Many monthly parasite preventives help protect dogs from heartworms, fleas, ticks, and certain intestinal parasites. Using year-round prevention reduces the likelihood of Giardia & intestinal worms in dogs and limits environmental contamination. Your veterinarian can recommend a prevention plan that fits your dog’s lifestyle, exposure risk, and medical history.

When You Should Contact Your Veterinarian

If your dog shows signs of diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, or lethargy, testing for Giardia & intestinal worms in dogs may be recommended. You can also drop off a stool sample for evaluation. Call Bottletree Animal Hospital at (662) 234-4336 to schedule an exam or arrange stool testing.

FAQs About Giardia & Intestinal Worms in Dogs

Can humans catch Giardia or worms from dogs?

Some intestinal parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can spread between animals and people through contaminated environments.

How long does Giardia survive in the environment?

Giardia cysts can survive for weeks to months in cool, damp conditions, making reinfection possible without proper sanitation.

Do indoor dogs get intestinal parasites?

Yes. Even dogs that spend most of their time indoors can be exposed through contaminated shoes, shared outdoor spaces, or visits to parks.

How soon after treatment should my dog be retested?

Follow-up testing is often recommended several weeks after treatment to confirm that Giardia & intestinal worms in dogs have been fully cleared.

Are puppies more at risk for intestinal parasites?

Yes. Puppies commonly acquire parasites early in life, which is why early screening and deworming are routine parts of veterinary care.