My puppy has Giardia. Can it spread or be a carrier if symptoms stop?

Question

Giardia: confirmed puppy has giardia. Been on metronidazole for 5 days. Vet is adding panacur. So worried, I have another dog that is staying with parents and not yet been around puppy. Giardia is very resistant. Is it true that diarrhea could stop and could have negative fecal, but could still have giardia? So that means my other dog could always get it from the puppy? Is puppy always a carrier of it? I really need answers as I can't always worry that my other dog will get it. Thanks. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | 2 months and 9 days old | 12 lbs

Destini R. Holloway, DVM · Accepted Answer

Once your pet treats tests negative for oocytes (eggs) then that means she isn't shedding anymore Giardia around. Older dogs are less likely to get Giardia because of their developed immune system, which is why we often only see infection in puppies. Puppies are not lifelong carriers but some puppies can become carriers for an extended period of time, and in these cases they will continually test positive, but will be asymptomatic (no diarrhea). To help prevent spread to your other pet, I would recommend picking up the feces and cleaning up any accidents in the home with diluted bleach. But as mentioned earlier it is often predominantly an issue in puppies and immune compromised pets only. Take care of those fur babies and I hope Pepper gets over her infection soon!

My puppy has Giardia. Can it spread or be a carrier if symptoms stop?

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