Please note that these can become present in your dog at anytime.  Make sure to pick up and dispose of properly your pups waste.  Do not let it come in contact with your other dogs.  Should your pup develop Giardia or Coccidia, it is possible, and most likely your other pets will contract it. 

Giardiasis 

Giardiasis refers to an intestinal infection that is caused by the protozoan parasite giardia, which is the most common intestinal parasite that is found in humans. Dogs develop the infection by ingesting infectious offspring (cysts) that are shed in another animal's feces. The contamination can be from direct or indirect contact with the infected cysts. The organisms, once ingested, make their way into the intestine, often causing diarrhea. The treatment is typically performed on an outpatient basis with a good prognosis.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Symptoms are more visible in younger animals than in older animals and can be either sudden  acute), temporary (transient), non-continuous (intermittent) , or ongoing (chronic) in nature. In some cases, dogs will exhibit diarrhea that is soft, frothy, greasy, and with a strong, awful odor or excessive mucus.

CAUSES

One of the most common causes of the parasitic infection is the ingestion of infected fecal material, as the cysts are shed in animal feces. The most common cause of transmission is actually waterborne, as the parasite prefers the cool and moist environment. Up to 50 percent of young puppies will develop this intestinal infection, and up to 100 percent of dogs housed in kennels will develop it due to the massive exposure and closely shared living spaces.

DIAGNOSIS

Your vet will want to rule out other possibilities for the intestinal infection such as improper digestion (maldigestion), unabsorbed nutrients (malabsorption), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) prior to recommending a treatment option.  The organism is primarily detected in the feces. A fecal smear is normally sufficient to test for their presence, although it is possible to have a false positive.

TREATMENT

Treatment is typically done on an outpatient basis unless the dog has become sick and weak. Prescription drugs along with bathing are combined to reduce the likelihood of repeat infection and to remove the parasite from the dog's body. Repeat fecal exams are often required to confirm that the infection has been removed, as an ongoing (chronic) infection can be debilitating for the animal.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

It is important to observe for signs of dehydration, especially in younger animals. Administering the prescribed medication and taking the animal back in for examination are also important in a  successful recovery.

PREVENTION

Since one of the highest incidences of the infection spreading is in a kennel, seek places that offer  private spaces for pets in order to avoid contamination from the other animals.

Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is a parasitic type of infection, caused by the coccidium, that most commonly causes watery, mucus-based diarrhea in dogs. If it is not treated, over time it can cause damage to the lining of the dog's intestinal tract. With treatment, the prognosis is good.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

You may notice that the dog has watery, mucus like diarrhea.  As the condition progresses, bloody diarrhea and an inability to withhold it will begin to show. The dog may also be in a weakened state.

CAUSES

Stress, as from moving, travel and weather changes, and being in an environment with other infected animals are the most common causes of this parasitic infection to develop. It is spread through fecal matter, and is most commonly found in puppies that have contracted the parasite from an adult dogs' feces. The coccidiosis infection is of particular danger for young dogs, since their immune systems are still underdeveloped.

DIAGNOSIS

A fecal examination is the most common method of diagnosis for this infection. The coccidium parasite will be readily visible under a microscope.

TREATMENT

Treatment is generally outpatient. A medication to kill the parasite will be prescribed, and is generally highly effective and fast working. The dog will need to be rehydrated as a result of the diarrhea . If the dog is debilitated, it may be kept for observation. A follow up fecal examination within one to two weeks of the initial treatment will be needed to ensure that the parasite is no longer present in the animal's body.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Owners should administer the prescribed medication as directed and monitor the dog for progress. If there is a decline in the dog's health, they should visit their veterinarian to ensure that there is not a more serious underlying health cause.

PREVENTION

The best prevention is to keep infected animals apart. Keep your puppy away from public parks and dog walking areas.  New owners may wish to test the feces of a young dog as a preventive, since this is a common issue.