Feeding Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs
Giardia in Dogs: Symptoms, Diet, and When to See a Veterinarian
Giardia is one of the most common intestinal parasites, causing stubborn, recurring diarrhea. What do the symptoms mean, and what should you feed during treatment?
When to see a vet IMMEDIATELY
- •Blood in stool or vomit
- •Lethargy, not drinking, or not eating for 24+ hours
- •Repeated vomiting, especially if water won't stay down
- •Swollen or painful abdomen, whimpering
- •Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days, or worsening symptoms
This article is informational and does not replace veterinary examination.
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Giardia in Dogs: Symptoms, Diet, and When to See a Veterinarian
Giardia is a single-celled intestinal parasite that resides in the small intestine. It is very common, especially in puppies, dogs kept in kennels, and those that come into contact with many other dogs.
Typical Symptoms
- Recurring, foul-smelling diarrhea, often greasy and light-colored stools
- Mucusy stools, sometimes with blood streaks
- Bloating, gas, rumbling stomach
- Weight loss or a puppy falling behind in growth despite a good appetite
- Fluctuating course: a few good days followed by diarrhea again
The last two points are the most telling: if the dog is eating normally yet losing weight or has fluctuating stools, it’s worth considering giardia.
How is it Diagnosed?
Only through a veterinary stool examination (antigen test or multiple days of collected samples). The parasite is shed intermittently, so a single negative sample does not rule it out; often, samples from 3 consecutive days are requested.
What to Feed During Treatment?
The medication will be prescribed by the veterinarian; the diet will help speed up recovery.
- Easily digestible, low-fat diet: boiled chicken or turkey + white rice, or a specially formulated gastrointestinal diet
- Small meals, 3–4 times a day instead of the usual 2
- Fiber: a small amount of plain pumpkin puree helps shape the stools
- Probiotics during and after treatment for 3–4 weeks to restore gut flora
- Plenty of fresh water: prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration
Avoid fatty treats, dairy products, and any new protein sources during treatment.
Hygiene: Without It, Reinfection Occurs
- Daily stool collection from the yard
- Washing bedding, bowls, and toys in hot water
- Bathe the dog at the end of the treatment (cysts stuck in the fur can cause reinfection)
- In cases with multiple dogs, generally, all should be treated
When to See a Veterinarian Immediately?
- Bloody, black, or tarry stools
- Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours
- Lethargy, not drinking, accompanied by vomiting
- For puppies or elderly dogs, from the first day
Giardia can also be transmitted to humans, so handwashing after cleaning is essential.
If you want to read about the first aid for diarrhea: Dog with Diarrhea: What to Feed Him?
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References
- 1.Tangtrongsup S, Scorza V — Update on the diagnosis and management of Giardia spp infections in dogs and cats. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine 25(3):155–162, 2010. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.tcam.2010.07.003 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 2.WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee — WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines. World Small Animal Veterinary Association, 2021. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/ (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 3.Mortier F, Strohmeyer K, Hartmann K, Unterer S — Acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome in dogs: 108 cases. Veterinary Record 176(24):627, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.103090 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
This is general information and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis.
This guide was compiled based on the expert input of Reka Fazekas-Birizdo canine nutritionist.
Certified Canine Nutritionist
