My Dog is Positive for Giardia

Giardia: Intestinal Parasite in Dogs

Giardia is a microscopic parasite that lives in the intestines and causes diarrhea, gas, and stomach upset. It spreads through contact with contaminated stool, water, or surfaces. Treatment works best when you treat the dog and keep the environment very clean to stop reinfection.

During Treatment (usually 5–7 days)

  • Medication: Give all medication exactly as prescribed — don’t skip doses.
  • Bathing: Bathe your dog on the first and last day of treatment, or more often if diarrhea continues. Giardia cysts stick to fur and can cause reinfection.
  • Rear-end cleaning: Wipe your dog’s backside daily to remove any contamination.
  • Leash for potty breaks: Keep your dog on a leash to control where they go. Pick up stool immediately and dispose of it in a sealed bag.

Cleaning the Environment

Giardia cysts can survive for days in damp areas, so keeping everything dry and clean is key.

  • Yard: Pick up stool right away — at least twice a day. Hose down and let areas dry completely.
  • Bedding, blankets, and soft items: Wash every 2–3 days in hot water and dry on high heat.
  • Floors and crates: Mop or wipe daily with hot water and disinfectant (a 1:32 bleach solution works well — about ½ cup bleach per gallon of water).
  • Bowls and toys: Wash daily with hot, soapy water and rinse well.

How Long to Clean

Plan for 2 full weeks of focused cleaning:

  1. First week: Daily cleaning while the medication works.
  2. Second week: Clean every 2–3 days and do one final deep clean at the end.

If multiple dogs live in the home, your vet may recommend testing and treating all of them.

Prevention Tips

  • Don’t let your dog drink from puddles, creeks, or shared water bowls.
  • Bathe or wipe your dog after swimming or playing in muddy areas.
  • Wash hands after handling stool.
  • Have stool rechecked 2–4 weeks after treatment to confirm the infection is cleared.

Keep your dog healthy and parasite-free! Schedule a check-up with Advanced Pet Care Clinic today to discuss prevention, testing, and the best treatment plan for your pet.