I recently have talked to a few folks that found out that their dogs have giardia. Giardia causes stomach upset and severe diarrhea. In small dogs and pups it can be devasting. A regular fecal examined by your vet will not show giardia. You have to request a special test to be done specifically for giardia.
New England has experienced a huge amount of rain this summer and giardia is on the rise. Giardia is usually carried by wild animals such as coons, skunks and beaver. They eliminate in the water or standing water. If your dog drinks from a streams or pond infected they can get it. It also can be transmitted by your pup walking thru standing water that is infected and later they lap and clean their feet and they get it. People can get giardia as well so use extremely good hygiene when handling and cleaning.
Treatment is usually metronidazole (flagyl) 3-5 days of treatment and then they should be retested. Holly
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