Pet Companions Bed & Biscuit — Health Guide
Your dog tested positive for Giardia.
Here's what to do next.
We know this can feel worrying. The good news: Giardia is very common, very treatable, and most dogs recover fully with a simple course of medication.
What it is
Understanding Giardia
Giardia is a microscopic intestinal parasite, not a worm or a bacteria. Dogs pick it up by drinking contaminated water, sniffing infected soil, or coming into contact with infected feces — all very easy to do in social settings like parks and daycares. It's one of the most common intestinal parasites in dogs, and the vast majority of cases resolve completely with treatment.
Symptoms vary — some dogs show loose stool, mucus, or mild lethargy, while others show no symptoms at all. Either way, the right course of action is the same: a vet visit and medication.
Veterinary treatment
Medications your vet may prescribe
Treatment typically involves one or both of the following medications, prescribed by your vet based on your dog's weight and health history. Always follow the full course — stopping early can allow the parasite to rebound.
Fenbendazole
Brand name: Panacur
Typically given once daily for 3–5 days. Often the first-line choice. Safe for most dogs, including puppies and pregnant dogs.
Metronidazole
Brand name: Flagyl
An antibiotic/antiparasitic given twice daily for 5–7 days. Often combined with Fenbendazole for stubborn cases.
At-home care
What to do while your dog recovers
Home hygiene is just as important as medication. Giardia cysts can cling to your dog's fur and reinfect them after treatment, so consistency here really matters.
Bathe frequently
Bathe your dog — especially the rear end — during treatment and again after the last dose. This removes cysts from the coat before they can be ingested.
Clean their environment
Disinfect food and water bowls, bedding, and any surfaces your dog uses regularly. Quaternary ammonium or diluted bleach are effective.
Pick up feces immediately
Don't let feces sit in the yard. Prompt cleanup prevents environmental contamination and reinfection — especially important for multi-pet households.
Keep water fresh
Change your dog's water frequently and wash the bowl daily. Encourage hydration, especially if your dog has loose stool from the infection.
Recovery timeline
What to expect, step by step
- 1Call your vet and describe the positive test result. They'll prescribe a medication and dosage based on your dog's weight.
- 2Start the full medication course and begin the home hygiene routine — bathing and disinfecting — right away.
- 3Watch for improvement over days 3–5. Stool quality should begin to normalize. Mild loose stool may persist through the course; this is normal.
- 4Complete the full course even if your dog seems fine. Stopping early is the most common cause of relapse.
- 5Schedule a follow-up fecal test 2–4 weeks after treatment ends. A negative result confirms full clearance.
- 6Once your vet gives the all-clear and the follow-up test is negative, your pup is welcome back at Pet Companions!
