My dog has giardia. Is Metronidazole safe for puppies? Best probiotic?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Rhodesian Ridgeback | Male | neutered | 4 years and 4 months old | 90 lbs
Hi, I'm a former vet tech.My Dog has contracted giardia twice this year. Is Metronidazole less than 6 months old safe to give? What probiotic would you recommend? Thank you so much for your time and effort. Respectfully, Deirdre
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 20th, 2019
Yes, Metronidazole is safe to give pets that are less than 6 months old. In refractory cases, it is often recommended to also treat with a dewormer (i.e. Fenbendazole). I really like Foriflora probiotic, here is a link --> https://www.chewy.com/purina-pro-plan-veterinary-diets/dp/50029 In cases where a pet is positive for Giardia but not symptomatic, we may not treat, so its best to ask your veterinarian for advice before moving forward. Also if your pet is constantly getting Giardia, then I would highly consider doing a bloodwork check to ensure there is no immune system issue that is making your pet more prone to infections. I wish you all the best in managing your pet Jackson's Giardia. Take care!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on May 21st, 2018
Metronidazole is a very commonly used drug to treat Giardia as well as other conditions. At a normal dose, Metronidazole rarely causes any side effects at all in pets. Nausea/decreased appetite would be the most common side effect (but once again, this is rare). At very high doses or long term dosing (taking nonstop for months) we can see neurological effects, but this do not occur at a dose that would be used to treat Giardia. You can read more about this drug at https://www.vin.com/veterinarypartner/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951414 .
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
My dog has been diagnosed with giardiasis. The vet has prescribed Flagyl for 7 days than after 21 day to repeat the therapy for 7 days and after 21 day to repeat again for 7 days. I wanna hear different opinion and i am little bit worried about givin
I took my new puppy to the vet for a cough on Saturday, 4/25/20. The vet prescribed 0.75 ml of Clavamox twice daily. On Monday, 4/27/20, the vet called and said that they found Giardia in my puppy's stool sample. They prescribed Metronidazole 0.6 ml
is metronidazole necessary for puppies who recovered from parvovirus? Considering its side effects cause nausea, vomitting, diarrhea and loss of appetite , which are all the symptoms for parvovirus.
my new german shepherd pup was just diagnosed with giardia and coronavirus. I think me and my kids now have giardia. What is the best meds to treat giardia in dogs
We recently took my puppy to the emergency room for diarrhea. Everything came out clear & they prescribed metronidazole for 10 days. After 10 days her wet stool came back. Our vet told us to finish the meds & prescribed new food because she thinks it
my dog is on, metronidazole, and omeprazole. he was doing fine the first 4 days. now he won't eat. acting and pottying perfectly. we think the metro or the omeprazole is upsetting his stomach. we have his proviable forte from last week and I was wond
My puppy is just getting off metronidazole after 10 days for diarrhea. Her stool this morning was soft. she was on the medicine she only pooped a total of 3 times it was solid. I asked earlier & I was told to see my vet again because it could be som
Loki had 7 pups 12 days ago, and I took her to the vet a few days ago and they said she had parasites. So they gave us metronidazole 250mg 2 daily for 14 days, diawin 1 1/2 3 daily for 5 days, and ciprofioxacin 250 mg 2 daily for 14 days. I hear metr
Loki had 7 pups 12 days ago, and I took her to the vet a few days ago and they said she had parasites. So they gave us metronidazole to give her along with a couple other things. We’ve been giving it to her 250 mg 2 daily, and are supposed to until t
have been struggling with my pets on and off diarrhea ..have been using flagyl but soon after she is off the med the gurgling and loose stool starts again..have had blood tests done, stool tests for parasites...all negative...is it safe to keep her o
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
