Can Metronidazole Treat Giardia in Dogs & Other Canines?

Published by Doctor Xeeshan on

Is Metronidazole the best medicine to treat Giardia in dogs? This article briefly explains the benefits, side effects, and possible risks associated with using this antibiotic drug in pets. 


can-metronidazole-treat-giardia-in-dogs-image


Metronidazole For Giardia in Dogs


This drug kills the worms that cause giardia. However, it is not without its risks and side effects. This medication is 50 percent effective against giardia, and can also be used to treat bacterial infections in dogs.


In addition to giardia, metronidazole is also effective against a variety of other protozoan parasites including Entamoeba histolytica, Pentatrichomas hominis, and Helicobacter gastritis.


Benzimidazole dewormers, such as Panacur, are more effective. Some patients may need a combination of these medications to be 100% effective.

Fenbendazole for Giardia in Dogs


Other medications, such as fenbendazole, have varying degrees of success. These drugs are not widely available in many countries, and they cause many undesirable side effects. 

The most common adverse effect of metronidazole is vomiting, while albendazole can cause bloody diarrhea, abortion, and teratogenicity in dogs. Metronidazole is 50% effective in treating giardia in dogs, but it may not be advisable for your pet.

Nattocin for Giardia in Dogs


Another drug, Nattocin, is 50% effective in treating giardia in dogs. This medication is used in dogs to treat intestinal parasites and is not approved for use in humans. 

The Michigan State University IACUC approved the study, and informed consent was obtained from all owners. The study did not require human ethics approval but was considered an important step in improving the effectiveness of nitric oxide (NCO) in dogs.

The study was conducted on 24 naturally infected dogs. The dogs were referred to the Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases at the University of Naples Federico II. 


The dog owners were notified of the study protocol and the dogs were assigned to two groups of twelve animals. The treatment in group A was metronidazole, while the other group received fenbendazole.

Metronidazole may cause serious side effects


The use of Metronidazole for giardia in dogs has several serious side effects. This drug may cause lethargy, liver damage, central nervous system disorders, seizures, and birth defects. 

It can also cause low blood counts and damage DNA in white blood cells, a vital component of your pet’s immune system. So if you’re thinking about giving this medication to your dog, think twice before making that decision.

Upset Stomach – Digestive System Problems


Among the possible side effects of this medication is the destruction of good bacteria in the gut. These bacteria are important for digestion, so their destruction is harmful. 


Metronidazole for giardia in dogs may increase the risk of side effects. If your dog experiences a bad reaction to the medication, consider switching to another brand, such as Panacur.

Other common side effects of Metronidazole for giardia in dogs include a decrease in appetite and stomach upset. For this reason, Metronidazole should only be given with food. If your dog experiences a severe side effect, immediately stop the medication. 


In some cases, this drug can cause severe side effects, including rapid eye movements and dizziness.

Neurological Side Effects 


Another potential side effect of Metronidazole for giardia in dogs is neurological effects. A high dose of this medication can cause your pet to develop neurological effects, including twitching or weakness. 

If your dog displays any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately. If your pet experiences any of these side effects, do not hesitate to seek veterinary care immediately.

Can Metronidazole Be Used for Treating Giardia in Dogs?


While a commercial Giardia vaccine is available, it has not been shown to be effective. It did, however, show some promise as a preventative treatment for cats. Cats vaccinated showed immunity to infection six to 12 months later. 


But, the vaccine can cause local reactions, and it may not be effective in treating existing giardiasis in cats. Moreover, it may fail to prevent reinfection.

Although symptoms of giardia are usually not evident, your cat may exhibit several symptoms. Your cat may experience watery, soft, frothy, and bloody diarrhea. In severe cases, the stool may contain blood and excess mucus. 


The disease may even lead to fever, loss of appetite, and listlessness. A veterinarian can diagnose your cat’s giardia infection and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

A veterinarian will usually prescribe an oral antibiotic called metronidazole to treat giardia in dogs and cats. This medication must be taken for five to seven days. It may be given in a combination with other drugs, such as fenbendazole, depending on the severity of the infection. 


The cat should continue with the medication until the symptoms resolve. Stopping treatment before the recommended duration will increase the risk of resistance to the medication.

If your cat has symptoms of giardia, you can diagnose it by microscopic examination of the stool. An ELISA test looks for antibodies to giardia. 


Treatment depends on the severity and medical history of your cat. Metronidazole is the most common treatment for giardia in cats. Other antibiotics include fenbendazole.

Can Metronidazole Treat Giardia in Rodents (Chinchillas)?


Giardia is an intestinal parasite that causes anorexia, diarrhea, and greasy, shiny feces. It is easily transmitted between humans and can be contracted through food and water contaminated with feces from infected animals. 

Metronidazole is one of the most common drugs used to treat giardia. This medication is safe for chinchillas.

Chinchillas may become sick from different parasites. Giardiasis is a type of parasitic disease that is not common in chinchillas, but it can be fatal. 


Metronidazole is an effective treatment for giardia in chinchillas. However, it is important to note that metronidazole has side effects.

If you notice symptoms of primary cystitis in your chinchilla, you may need to seek veterinary help. Your chinchilla may be suffering from dysuria and paraphimosis. It may also have a bad attitude and exhibit other behavioral issues, such as scratching itself. 


In most cases, treatment is not necessary, but you should consult your veterinarian as soon as you see symptoms.

Once you have been diagnosed with giardia, you can begin treatment. You should change the bedding, water bottle, and food dishes on a regular basis. 


It’s important to disinfect everything before offering your pet new bedding, as this could contaminate them again. Be sure to boil water bottles and food dishes before introducing them to your chinchilla, because it will kill any parasites. Replace feces right away.

Symptoms of Giardia Infection in Dogs


Initially, a dog may be asymptomatic, with occasional episodes of diarrhea. 


However, if a dog’s symptoms persist beyond a few days, the parasite may be the cause. In such a case, a vet will likely start a course of medication to cure the infection. 

This medication will typically include a drug called metronidazole, which attacks the parasite and helps the dog recover more quickly. As a preventive measure, owners should clean up the feces of giardia dogs regularly. 

They should also bathe their dogs to remove cysts and regularly clean their dog’s water bowls.

A dog suffering from Giardia infection will likely exhibit diarrhea and vomiting. These symptoms are caused by the parasite obstructing the intestine’s ability to absorb water, electrolytes, and nutrients. 


As a result, your dog may lose a considerable amount of weight and suffer from severe digestive problems. In some cases, the symptoms may even be life-threatening, especially if your dog is a puppy.

Although it is rare for a dog to infect another dog, the infection may be spread from one dog to another. 


If your dog is infected, you must contact your vet right away for proper treatment. It is best to clean and disinfect the area where your dog spends time. This includes all water bowls, water dishes, and toys. 

It is important to remember that dogs can transfer the parasite to other dogs by licking their backsides or stepping on their affected poop.

Does Giardia in Dogs Affect Peoples or Pet Owners


While Giardia-infected dogs rarely show signs of diarrhea, vets are often unable to determine whether this condition is the source of the dog’s diarrhea. 


The main risk factor is infected water, but dogs can also get infected by drinking water contaminated with the organism. The resulting diarrhea is often due to an infection caused by the organism, but this is rare.

Although the role of dogs in human giardiasis is unclear, recent studies suggest that a significant proportion of symptomatic dogs may be asymptomatic. 


The pathogen Giardia duodenalis is a flagellated protozoan that lives in the intestines of dogs. Giardia species are in a state of flux, but recent molecular studies have described zoonotic strains and host-adapted isolates of this organism. 

This article describes giardiasis in dogs, the diagnosis and management of the infection, and the potential zoonotic strains of G duodenalis isolated from dogs.

Giardia is a tiny parasitic organism that can cause diarrhea in people. Although they are not directly transferable, they can cause health problems in humans if infected. 


Fortunately, the risk of infection is minimal and is generally limited to dogs and humans who have compromised immune systems. However, treating the infection is still the best option, especially if the dogs have too many cysts.
Categories: metronidazole for dogs
Doctor Xeeshan

Doctor Xeeshan

I am Doctor Xeeshan, located in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. In this blog, I am providing authentic information about dog breeds, diseases, medications, etc.

0 Comments

Leave a Reply

Avatar placeholder

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

metronidazole for dogs

Does Metronidazole Stop Diarrhea in Dogs? – Quick Answer

Do you know how to safely treat your dog with metronidazole for diarrhea? Do you know what to look for in an antibiotic that treats gastrointestinal disorders?  In this article, we’ll answer your questions about … Read more

metronidazole for dogs

What is Metronidazole Shelf Life in Dog’s System?

metronidazole for dogs

What Bacteria Does Metronidazole Kill in Dogs?

If you have an infection and have been taking metronidazole to treat it, you may be wondering: what bacteria does metronidazole kill and how does it work? This article will tell you how metronidazole works, … Read more

close X

Try The Best Rated Dog Food On Amazon

Ancient grains like grain sorghum, millet, quinoa and chia seed are naturally high in fiber and rich in protein. Unchanged for thousands of years, different grains provide various nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omega fatty acids.

Taste the Wild