Introduction
Giardiasis, also known as giardia or Beaver Fever, is a tiny one-celled parasite that dogs become infected with when they drink contaminated water. Many dogs carry giardia without any symptoms at all. However younger dogs or dogs with impaired or stressed immune systems can develop symptoms such as diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and tiredness.
Treating Beaver Fever
Fortunately giardiasis can be diagnosed through a fecal test, and then effectively treated with medications. Metronidazole has been the most frequently used giardia treatment for dogs in the past. This drug treats bacterial infestations which cause diarrhea, but it does carry the risk of harmful side effects. Metronidazole has been known to cause vomiting, anorexia, and in rare cases liver damage. This drug cannot be used on dogs that are pregnant. If Metronidazole is used to treat giardiasis, it is usually given in tablet form twice a day for 5-7 days.
Due to the risk of side effects from Metronidazole use, and the fact that it cannot be used on pregnant dogs, the de-worming medication Panacur is sometimes used as another treatment option. Panacur is normally administered twice a day for 7 days, and it usually comes in a liquid form. In some reported cases the killed vaccine for giardiasis was given to dogs with severe symptoms, and the severity of their symptoms was reduced.
Re-infection of giardiasis needs to be prevented by keeping dogs away from contaminated water sources. Any areas that came into contact with the dog’s feces should be thoroughly disinfected.