GIARDIA IN DOGS, SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT OPTIONS INCLUDING HELPFUL HERBS

Last Updated on April 26, 2024 by Thee Puppypreneur

WHAT IS GIARDIA IN DOGS  

Giardia in dogs is a parasite that can infect animals but also humans. It is transmitted from birds, amphibians, other animals and even humans. It is microscopic so you won’t be able to see it. 

If you have ever been to another country and been told not to drink the water that is because their unfiltered water probably contains giardia or e. coli and you will get sick.  

Giardia in dogs lives in the intestines and has the ability to give you severe gastrointestinal issues. 

HOW DOES GIARDIA IN DOGS OCCUR 

Giardia in dogs can occur from infected cysts. These are found in the environment in food, feces and water.  

Once an infected animal has shed the cysts and conditions are favorable such as moist or humid conditions then these cysts can survive for months in the environment. 

You will want to take special care of your property if your furbaby has been diagnosed with giardia and this will include proper cleaning of any standing water or places where your dog has defecated.  

Be sure to clean the areas with a pet safe cleaner if you are going to use a bleach and water solution on the affected areas, then make sure your pets do not have access to that area. 

Also, it has been said that boiling water poured over affected areas in your yard might be an effective solution for killing giardia.  

Giardia in dogs also requires bathing your dog regularly as cysts could be caught in their fur and then ingested while grooming themselves thus reinfecting your furbaby and repeating the whole ordeal again. 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GIARDIA IN DOGS 

Unfortunately, giardia in dogs can go unnoticed and symptoms can range from non-existent to severe. 

• Diarrhea 
• Oily or fatty stools 
• Vomiting 
• Poor appetite 
• Weight loss 

HOW IS GIARDIA IN DOGS DIGANOSED 

Giardia in dogs is diagnosed by fecal smear or fecal float. This is sometimes unreliable because the cysts are shed inconsistently. 

Your vet might want to do 3 fecal tests in the course of a week to rule out the possibility of any false-negatives.  

There are also ELISA test which are SNAP test that produce results almost immediately as opposed to having your veterinarian send the samples out to a lab and wait for the results to return. 

HOW IS GIARDIA IN DOGS TREATED 

Giardia in dogs is treated with Fenbendazole, this is the same medication that can be found in dewormers such as these; 

This one contains 3 packets and each packet treats 40 pounds  

Amazon.com : Panacur C Canine Dewormer (Fenbendazole), 4 Gram,Red : Panacur C : Pet Supplies

This one below contains 3 packets and each packet treats 20 pounds 

Amazon.com : Panacur C Canine Dewormer (fenbendazole), 2 gram,White : Wormers : Pet Supplies

This one contains 3 packets and each packet treats 10 pounds 

Amazon.com : Panacur C Canine Dewormer (Fenbendazole), 1 Gram, Yellow, 3 Count (Pack of 1) : Panacur For Dogs : Pet Supplies

The dose for giardia in dogs will depend on your dog’s size and is typically administered once a day for 5 days straight or your veterinarian might recommend a high dose of Metronidazole.  

WHAT HERBS CAN BE USED FOR GIARDIA IN DOGS 

MEXICAN OREGANO  

Mexican Oregano (Lippia beriandieri) or (Lippia graveolens) has been found to be effective against giardia when it is a trophozoite.  

A trophozite is what is living inside your dog’s intestine and not a cyst which is what is shed in the environment through their poop.   

This is not your typical oregano (Origanum vulgare). The Lippia Oregano was actually found to be more effective then tinidazole.  

I like using organic herbs from one of my favorite sellers

Amazon.com : Frontier Cut and Sifted Mexican Oregano, 16 Ounce : Spices And Seasonings : Grocery & Gourmet Food

this way you can either mix it in with their meals or you can make a tea out of it.  

BARBERRY 

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) has great antiprotozoal effects mainly in part due to the active alkaloid berberine which has been found effective against giardia.  

This herb has been found to be effective in dogs against roundworms and also leishmaniasis.  

Some people might consider this herb toxic to dogs but with proper and careful administration it can have supportive effects. 

This herb should not be used in pregnant dogs or dogs with gallbladder, kidney or liver disease.  

Also, should not be used in conjunction with any other medication as it has the ability to interfere with the absorption and interact with other medications.  

This herb can be given as an infusion or decoction, tincture or as a dry herb sprinkled over food.  

If you are going to make a tea then you might want to use something like this 

Amazon.com : Barberry Bark – Dried, Cut & Natural Berberis Vulgaris Bark – Net Weight: 1.48oz/ 42g : Grocery & Gourmet Food

as the root or the stem bark can be used. Another alternative is in tincture form like this 

Amazon.com: Herbal Terra LLC Barberry (Berberis Vulgaris) Glycerite, Organic Dried Root Bark Alcohol-Free Liquid Extract 2 oz : Health & Household

GOLDENSEAL 

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) also has berberine in it which is a main active constituent in eliminating giardia.  

The parts used of this plant are the rhizomes and roots and sometimes the leaves when your make herbal decoctions. Goldenseal has immense antibacterial activity and can help you fight infections and inflammations.  

This should not be used in young puppies, dogs with heart or liver disease, bleeding disorders or blood pressure issues.  

Also, if your dog is on any other medications this might interact with those meds.  

Goldenseal is an expensive herb because of declining numbers in the wild, but products like this can be made into an infusion. 

Amazon.com : Organic Goldenseal Root C/S – 4 Oz (113 G) – Starwest Botanicals : Health & Household

OREGON GRAPE 

Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is another great herb for the treatment of giardia.  

This herb also contains the active alkaloid berberine which is in the above other herbs as well.  

The berberine when used correctly at your veterinarian’s recommended dosage is considered to be non-toxic.  

This herb can be used as a tea or tincture or dried and mixed with food 

Amazon.com: Oregon Grape Root C/S Wildcrafted – 4 oz : Health & Household

OLIVE LEAF 

Olive Leaf (Olea europaea L) comes from the leaves of the olive tree and is an amazing herb that I always have on hand at home. 

In one study done on giardia, olive leaf extract was found to be more effective at killing the cysts then metronidazole.  

Starwest botanicals sells olive leaf powder but it is not extract and the oleuropein is not standardized for each dose either

Amazon.com : Starwest Botanicals Organic Olive Leaf Powder, 1 Pound : Health & Household

Another option is Organic Olive Leaf in capsule form with zero fillers that is standardized to contain 18% oleuropein

Amazon.com: Gold Source Labs Organic Olive Leaf Extract Capsules – Pure Organic Olive Leaf Plus Standardized Oleuropein Extract, 90 Vegetarian Caps, 400 mg Maximum Strength Complex for Immune Health : Health & Household

As always you need to consult with your holistic or regular veterinarian before starting anything new in your pets’ lives.  

As certain herbs, medications and conditions could interfere with one another and this way they can give you the correct dosage based on the product you choose if suitable. 

Check out our other articles for more information on other herbs, such as;

OIL OF OREGANO FOR DOGS AMAZING USES AND BENEFITS