We trust that you are doing everything you can to ensure your dog is in perfect health.
Nevertheless, it can happen that nasty little endoparasites make themselves at home inside your fur nose – for example Giardia.
Does that mean then Giardia + dog = transmission to humans? Find out in the guide below!
In a nutshell: Can Giardia in dogs be transmitted to humans?
Yes, Giarid transmission from dogs to humans is indeed possible. However, the likelihood of that happening is very small.
The reason is that the canine Giardia are divided into different genotypes.
The genotypes that can become unpleasant for us humans only occur in dogs in absolutely exceptional cases.
How is Giardia transmitted from dogs to humans?
Giardia aren’t just microscopic nuisances, they are particularly stubborn and hide in the most everyday and for us most important places.
Giardia can be transmitted from your dog to you through contaminated water, among other things.
Even a water bowl that contains Giardia-contaminated water is sufficient, if you clean it.
And it continues with the dog food or the feeding bowl. This can also have giardia, which of course you cannot see and know.
And since Giardia are released into their environment through the feces, the dog’s stool is of course another potential carrier.
Not only when you pick up the poo with your poo bag, but also when your dog licks your hands and face.
Because who knows whether one or the other piece of feces enriched with Giardia has ended up in the dog’s mouth when it licks its butt?
Important
In the case of a Giardia infestation, hygiene is the top priority. All surfaces are disinfected, clothes, bowls & Co. washed (out) at at least 60 degrees, preferably more.
Is giardia dangerous in humans?
Giardia becomes really dangerous when the dog or human has a weakened immune system, i.e. they do not have enough inner strength to fight the parasite.
It is particularly dangerous here for small children and the elderly. In the case of dogs, puppies in particular are exposed to a serious health risk.
Are you otherwise fit and healthy? Then you need you don’t worry too much about really serious health problems close.
However, you should be prepared that your stomach and intestines will be a bit upset for a few days.
What are the symptoms of Giardia infection?
With which we at the Symptoms you might expect if your dog is transmitting Giardia can.
These include vomiting, sometimes mucous and very liquid and also bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps and dehydration, as the body loses a lot of fluid.
However, it is also possible that you do not show any of the symptoms mentioned, but still suffer from a Giardia infection.
Symptoms and infection usually subside after 2 to 3 weeks.
How to diagnose Giardia infection in humans?
The easiest way to detect Giardia infection in humans is a stool sample.
Here it is either examined for certain proteins or antigens that have been released by the Giardia.
The stool can also be examined for Giardia using a DNA test.
Good to know
Dogs and cats also need faecal samples, which should be collected over a period of 3 days and stored in the refrigerator until they are handed over.
How can Giardia be treated in dogs and humans?
A Giardia infestation or a so-called Giardiasis is usually treated with appropriate medication.
Metronizadol, nitaxozanide and tinidazole are suitable for humans.
In dogs, Metrobactin is usually given, among other things, over a period of 10 days.
This is an antibiotic that also has antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Panacur can also be administered to a dog suffering from giardiasis.
Please make sure that your dog, your cat and you too get/take a pro- and prebiotic during and after the treatment.
Antibiotics have a less positive effect on the intestinal flora, which must therefore be additionally supported and rebuilt.
Anyone who absolutely does not want to resort to a pharmaceutical product – even if it makes a lot of sense – can prevent Giardia with home remedies.
What definitely doesn’t help against giardia is a spot-on. Because these remedies are usually suitable for all endo- and ectoparasites, but not for Giardia.
Is Giardia in dogs contagious to other animals like cats?
Giardia infection in dogs can very contagious for other animals such as cats be.
The danger is particularly great when infected dogs live with cats in a household.
Outdoor kitties also have an increased risk of being infected with canine giardia outdoors, for example through dog excrement lying around or contaminated food.
Conclusion
Giardia + dog = transmission to humans? A perfectly possible, albeit rather improbable equation due to different genotypes.
Do you still suspect that your dog has infected you with its Giardia? You will then recognize this from diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration, among other things.
You can only be really sure if your doctor has tested your stool sample positive for Giardia.
Your kitty can also get Giardia from your dog – you can all get rid of it with medication and good hygiene.
Can you share more experiences and tips with us? Then we look forward to reading them in our comments. 😊