Giardia (single cell protozoa) is passed in feces that then contaminate wet or muddy areas. Cysts can last for long periods of time just waiting to be ingested by their next victim and because dogs don’t always show signs of infection, the can silently spread cysts through common spaces (i.e. parks).
Giardia can also cause disease in humans. Fortunately, the most common dog variety probably isn’t that contagious to people. On the other hand, the most common human variety is contagious to dogs who will happily share it back with their owner. Immunocompromised people are possibly at risk of sickness in if in contact with dogs that have diarrhea rom Giardia and should have their pets tested routinely for Giardia.
Giardia cannot be prevented medically, only treated once an infection is detected. When to treat can be controversial as infections often resolve without treatment and medications don’t always work. Due to concerns about creating resistance to medications, some infectious disease specialists recommend treatment only if the dog or human is symptomatic. Other infectious disease specialists believe Giardia should always be treated to decrease the risk of a pet passing it to a human. The controversy rages on with no clear answer!
The risk of Giardia infection can be minimized by avoiding wet or muddy areas that are contaminated by animal feces – such as many of Seattle dog parks. Picking up feces promptly can decrease environmental contamination and decrease the chance of spreading the protozoa.
So… It can’t be prevented. It can’t always be cured with medicine. Simple hygiene can decrease the risk of infection, but not eliminate it. We definitely can give our Giardia to our dogs and under the right circumstances; they can give it to us! Pretty complicated! For more information to one of our veterinarians or go to our website: www.seattlevetassoc.com.
What about cats and Giardia? Another story. Another day.