I’ve done a lot of research on Giardia online, but I’d really like to read more stories from people who’ve had to get rid of this parasite from their dog… but first, here’s my story.
About a month ago, I got an adorable Papillon puppy. I went to collect her from a breeder. On the day I was due to bring her home, I noticed her little tummy was a bit bloated, but I didn't pay much attention to it, especially as the breeder told me she was in good health, was up to date with all her jabs, and had been wormed recently.
As soon as she arrived home, she started having diarrhoea which alternated with stools that were more or less formed. Getting her to eat was a real struggle and she would sometimes skip meals. She was sleeping a lot too. I wasn’t happy about it, but I told myself it might just be the change of environment and that I’d wait a few days. As the situation didn’t improve, I booked an appointment with the vet.
The vet said that, on the face of it, there was nothing serious since she didn't have a temperature and was in good spirits (when she wasn't sleeping). He prescribed some probiotics but said that if she wasn't better in a few days, we’d have to run some tests to see if it was Giardia.
As you’ve probably guessed, we did the tests and BANG: Giardia.
So, the vet started her on a treatment (using an oxfendazole-based wormer).
She’s doing better already, but I’ve read that it can take months to completely clear this parasite… so I’d really love to hear some of your experiences… If your dog has had Giardia, how long did it take to cure them? What were they treated with? What other extra measures did you take to help the recovery?
Translated from French
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Wishing you so much strength and I’m keeping everything crossed that she pulls through... Don’t give up hope...
I was going to ask the same thing as Julieta – if she has any siblings, they might be going through the same thing too. Is there any way to get in touch with the people who adopted them so you can look into taking joint action?
Best of luck, I’m thinking of her. Do keep us posted.
Hi everyone,
An update on Jena: she’s still at the vet’s and her condition is touch and go; we’re all keeping our fingers crossed for our girl. We go to see her every evening and I have to admit it’s really getting to me right now. I can't say too much about it as it’s now a legal matter. Thank you all sincerely for your support.
Oh no, poor little mite! Sending strength to you, your wife, and her! It’s absolutely disgraceful of the breeder to have let a puppy go in that state! Does Jena have any brothers or sisters? Do you know who they were adopted by?
I find the breeder's behaviour absolutely unacceptable and quite frankly disgusting... I really hope your little girl gets better and pulls through! I truly hope you take things all the way and do everything you can to ensure this woman is no longer allowed to breed, because she’s a far cry from a real breeder!
Best of luck, and if there’s any news, do keep us posted!
Hi everyone,
An update on Jena: she’s still at the vet's and her condition is very touch and go. We’re keeping everything crossed for our girl. We go to see her every evening and I have to admit, it’s really getting to me at the moment. I can’t say much more about it as it’s now a legal matter and for the courts to decide.
Thank you so much for all your support.
Just one thing I’ve only just found out! Salmon isn’t good for dogs! It contains something that’s toxic for our pups!
Do you mean raw salmon or salmon in general? On this site, they recommend giving it but only in moderation (and well-cooked): http://canigivemydog.com/salmon Actually, you can find loads of really interesting info on there!
I also know that heavy metals are found in salmon and fish in general... So it’s not exactly great for us either... :s Cheers to the human race for mucking everything up! 🙅
Just something I’ve found out recently! Salmon isn't good for dogs! It contains something that’s toxic for our pups!
Also worth knowing, all fruit and veg should be fed raw, apart from green beans. And obviously pureed to make it easier for them to digest!
Evening all,
Just an update: Jena is a bit perkier, but she’s still turning her nose up at her bowl. We might be picking her up tomorrow and then we’ll know more. Regarding BARF, I know it’s a massive topic with plenty of debate, but my wife is the one who handles all that. For now, we’re going to do home-cooked meals. We’re planning on doing the BARF diet with cooked ingredients once she’s fully back on her feet. Thanks for the info and all your support.
So you’ve got her back already? Brilliant! What treatment did the vet prescribe?
For home-cooked meals, I try to keep it varied just to make sure she gets different nutrients. I give her salmon or tuna once a week, red meat twice a week, and chicken for the rest. I mostly use the legs as they’re richer, but breast is fine too. Once a week, I add chicken livers as well (mixed in with the breast meat, for example). I’m tempted to try rabbit and offal... For veg, it’s green beans, courgettes, carrots, pumpkin... She likes her carrots mashed (easier to digest) and mixed with some apple. I also add a bit of vegetable oil. Egg yolk once a week. And every now and then, a pinch of spirulina, nettle, or turmeric...
I’d also like to add something – julieta, your recipe is good; it’s pretty much what I used to feed my Boxer when she was poorly (with a chronic condition). However, I think that once a dog is on the mend, it’s not necessary to keep giving them starchy carbs... Why not increase the protein and cut out the carbs, which don't really offer anything to dogs?
Yes, that’s not a bad idea! I’ll start by cutting them back first and then phase them out gradually.
