Giardia intestinalis

Giardia intestinalis is a microscopic intestinal parasite that can be detected in stool. It is not considered a normal part of the dog’s gut microbiome. Dogs are usually exposed by swallowing Giardia cysts from contaminated water, food, soil, faeces, or surfaces in the environment. Giardia mainly affects the small intestine, where it attaches to the surface of the intestinal lining rather than living inside intestinal cells. This may disturb digestion, reduce nutrient absorption, and affect stool quality. Relevant findings may be associated with soft or watery diarrhoea, mucus in stool, gas, foul smelling stool, reduced appetite, weight loss, tiredness, or recurring digestive upset. A positive finding may be useful to review with a veterinarian, especially if ongoing digestive signs are present or if there are concerns about hygiene, environmental exposure, or reinfection, since Giardia cysts can persist in the environment.

Parasites Worms