Disclaimer: This article is not veterinary advice and should not replace guidance from a licensed veterinarian. Please consult your vet before starting any new health regimen for your dog.
Written by BuffK-9's Wellness Experts
When your dog starts acting a little "off" — like having loose stools or not eating as much — it’s easy to assume it’s just a stomach bug. But sometimes, the problem can be a little trickier to spot. One sneaky culprit? Giardia, a microscopic parasite that can mess with your dog’s digestive system.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what Giardia is, how dogs get it, signs to look for, and natural ways to help your dog recover — all in simple, clear language to help you feel confident in supporting their health.
What Is Giardia?
Giardia is a tiny parasite that lives in your dog’s intestines. It can make it hard for them to absorb water, nutrients, and electrolytes, which may lead to:
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Diarrhea (sometimes with mucus or a strange color)
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Trouble gaining or keeping weight
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Occasional vomiting
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Low energy or noticeable discomfort
Giardia has two forms:
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One form lives inside the gut
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The other form is passed in poop and can survive in the environment for months — especially in cold, wet conditions
How Do Dogs Catch Giardia?
Dogs can pick up Giardia from just about anywhere. It’s more common than most people realize.
Dogs can become infected by:
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Drinking from puddles, lakes, or melted snow
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Sniffing or stepping in poop from another infected animal
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Rolling or playing in contaminated dirt
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Licking dirty paws or fur after walks
Did you know? Giardia cysts can live for 1 to 3 months in cold water, but only a few days in warmer temperatures.
Signs Your Dog Might Have Giardia
Giardia isn’t always easy to spot, but there are some common warning signs. Watch for changes in your dog’s poop or behavior:
Stool Clues:
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Loose or watery
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Pale or greenish in color
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Foul smelling
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Greasy or mucusy
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May contain blood
Other Symptoms:
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Vomiting (especially if the infection lasts a while)
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Weight loss
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Fatigue or lower energy
How to Test for Giardia
If you think your dog might have Giardia, a vet can check their stool. Here’s how to collect a sample at home:
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Wait for a fresh poop — nothing older than 24 hours
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Scoop a small amount (about the size of a sugar cube)
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Place it in a clean, sealable container (like a small jar or pill bottle)
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Label it with your dog’s name and your last name
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Store it in the fridge (not the freezer) if you can't deliver it right away
Can Dogs Give Giardia to Humans?
This is a common concern. While Giardia can infect different species, the type that affects dogs is usually different from the one that affects humans.
The risk of catching it from your dog is very low, but it’s still smart to take precautions:
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Wash your hands after cleaning up after your dog
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Disinfect their food bowls, toys, and bedding regularly
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Keep their living area clean and dry
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Wear gloves when working in the yard
Why Avoid Medication for Giardia?
Prescription drugs are often used to treat Giardia, but they aren’t FDA-approved for dogs and come with unpleasant side effects.
Commonly used drugs and risks:
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Fenbendazole: May cause facial swelling, hives, or drooling
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Metronidazole: Can lead to blood in urine or neurological symptoms
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Albendazole: Linked to tiredness, seizures, and low white blood cell counts
These drugs may also disrupt gut health, which affects your dog’s immune system in the long term.
4 Natural Remedies for Giardia in Dogs
Luckily, there are gentle, natural ways to help your dog recover without using harsh medications.
1. Oregon Grape
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Fights parasites and supports liver function
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Dosage: 12 drops of tincture per 20 lbs of body weight, once daily
Don’t use for pregnant dogs or those with liver issues.
2. Cloves
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Effective against parasites
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Dosage:
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1 clove per 10 lbs of body weight daily
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Or a pinch of clove powder mixed into food
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3. Garlic
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Strengthens immune system and fights parasites
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Dosage:
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Small dogs: ¼ clove, twice daily
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Medium dogs: ½ clove, twice daily
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Large dogs: ¾ clove, twice daily
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Giant breeds: 1 clove, twice daily
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4. Goldenseal
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Helps cleanse and protect the gut
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Dosage Options:
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1 tsp dried powder per 20 lbs of body weight
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Or ¼ cup of brewed tea per 20 lbs
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Or 5–10 drops of tincture per 20 lbs, 2–3x per day
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Bonus: Herbal Combo Remedy
Try this herbal mix for an extra-strength natural solution:
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2 parts Oregon grape
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2 parts licorice
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2 parts cleavers
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1 part garlic
Dosage:
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¼ tsp per 20 lbs, twice daily (low-alcohol tinctures)
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If using full-alcohol tinctures, dilute with water 1:1 and double the dose
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Give one hour before meals for up to 10 days
Tips to Prevent Giardia
Prevention is key! Keeping your dog’s environment clean helps stop Giardia before it starts.
Simple Prevention Tips:
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Clean bowls and toys daily
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Wash bedding weekly
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Avoid letting your dog drink from puddles or streams
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Pick up poop in your yard often
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Wipe paws after walks, especially in muddy or wet areas
FAQ: Giardia in Dogs
Q: What are the signs of Giardia?
A: Watery or oddly formed stools, vomiting, weight loss, and low energy are common symptoms.
Q: Can dogs recover without medication?
A: Yes — with natural remedies and a clean environment, many dogs recover fully without prescription drugs.
Q: How long does Giardia last?
A: It depends on the dog’s health and how clean their surroundings are. Reinfection is possible if the environment isn’t cleaned thoroughly.
Q: Can humans catch Giardia from dogs?
A: It’s rare, but good hygiene is important just in case.
Final Thoughts
Giardia is tough, but you and your dog are tougher. With natural remedies and some extra cleaning, your dog can bounce back from Giardia — and stay healthy in the future.
If you're ever unsure, reach out to your vet and feel confident knowing that BuffK-9’s Wellness Experts are always here to support you and your dog’s journey to better wellness.