OK...trying NOT to freak out. I have Nena, my foster pup, for about 3 weeks. A few days ago, I noticed very loose bloody stool. She had been having soft stool since I got her, but attributed it to the food change and all she had been through (long transport, rought beginning in a backyard). Once the blood started, foster made a vet appt. We took in stool sample tuesday and he dewormed her, as well as gave me a pill for deworming. We found out today she is positive for GIARDIA. I know it is not serious if treated quickly. Vet is off due to holiday, and wont be in til Saturday to give us meds. All that being said...Nena is a normal energetic, hungry pup. My dogs are fine as well. My question is....HOW CONTAGIOUS IS GIARDIA TO ADULT DOGS. I read somehwere that adult dogs are much less likely to get it since their immune system is developed. Is this true? I will of course ask the vet, but should I treat my dogs anyway, just in case? WORRIED!!!

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I don't have an answer but prayers are coming your way for a speedy recovery for Nena!

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Prayers for your foster pup. Hope it works out soon.

I would potty her in a different part of the yard. Find out what kills it and bleach-water or trifectant that area. Be sure its' not in an area that's wet or has a lot of standing water.

Talk to your vet. Don't panic!

It is very contagious to humans and dogs. But usually adult dogs handle it pretty well or already have it in their systems. Like Reddogs says try to keep stuff clean and disinfected.

I do beliee bleach and water mixture kill it on hard surface. Unfortunately, they have potties 3 weeks in the same small yard, so what is done is already done. Separating would be difficult out there due to the size, but its already too late, the poo is in the ground, even though we are diligent in keeping the yard cleaned up, it is close to impossible to get it out of the soil at this point. I suppose vet will have all three on meds.

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I'm really interested in hearing what your vet has to say because a friend of mine's dog has it and she told me it was nothing to worry about. She said her dog will just have it for life and will constantly have diahrea. This didn't sound right to me.

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Oh my goodness that is definitely not right!!! I think they just go on a round of meds such as Metronidazole. I know that sometimes it can be tough to get rid of since they shed it in the stool. You have to really clean up the area such as Reddogs suggested.

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It is hard to get rid of sometimes, but not impossible. Repeat treatments are often necessary. Again....with dogs pooping in dirt, difficult if not impossible to "clean". The organisms live on in the dirt, or their "cysts". Although my adult dogs show no symptoms, I still feel I would like to give them a round of meds so they are all medicated together. Unfortunately, with the holday, the vet isnt in again until saturday.

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Oh wow, your friend needs to find another vet! It most definitely can be treated effectively, it may take more than one round of abx but it can be treated.

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