Giardia, Canine - contd.
Giardia may be prevented by the strict sanitation of animal living environments using cleaning agents approved for the elimination of the parasite. In kennels and other places that house animals in larger numbers, routine disinfection of the entire facility is critical. Dogs should be bathed in order to eliminate any Giardia cysts they may be carrying in their coats. The periodic use of de-worming medications such as fenbendazole may also be effective in preventing the recurrence of Giardia infection.
A new vaccine was introduced recently that is reported to aid in the prevention of
Giardia lamblia infection. The vaccine may be given to healthy dogs as young as eight weeks old. A booster shot is usually given two to three weeks after the initial vaccination and then yearly thereafter.
The vaccine prevents or lessens the signs of infection and the amount of cyst shedding. However, some cyst shedding may occur in vaccinated dogs, so the preventive measures discussed above should be observed.
