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How To Help Dogs Recover From The Long-Term Effects Of Giardia

The long-term effects of giardia in dogs may continue even after treatment is over. Many dogs recovering from Giardia struggle with loose stool, sensitive digestion, intestinal inflammation, yeast overgrowth, food sensitivities and recurring digestive problems. Giardia itself — along with antibiotics and anti-parasitic medications — can disrupt the balance of healthy bacteria in the intestinal tract and irritate the delicate intestinal lining.

Supporting your dog’s digestive system after giardia may help restore healthy stool quality, improve nutrient absorption and support immune health. Many pet owners find that probiotics, digestive enzymes and natural yeast support can help dogs recovering from Giardia-related digestive upset and long-term intestinal imbalance.

Our veterinarian-formulated digestive and immune support supplements are designed to help support dogs recovering from giardia, antibiotics and intestinal inflammation. Products like probiotics, digestive enzymes and K9 Yeast Defense may help support healthy digestion, rebalance intestinal flora and promote a healthier immune response after digestive stress.

Harp & Colt

"Ask Ariel has been a blessing to us. Harp and Colt both had giardia as puppies and unfortunately have ongoing GI issues due to the parasitic infection. He would wake us up like clockwork at 2am every night with a terrible upset grumbling stomach. It was exhausting for him and us. When I stumbled upon the Ask Ariel website, I decided to give the Soothing Digestive Relief, Power Probiotic, Gastro ULC (he was/is a grass eater when he gets an upset tummy) and the NOT Drops. These were a game changer for him. We tried multiple different foods based on the recommendations as well.

Colt seems to have the same tummy issues periodically and responds very well to the digestive products. Additionally Colt, takes the ArthroStride and was told at his last vet appt that he has great range of motion in his hips. Harp is also taking the Purrfect Pet CoQ10, Happy Paws Drops and Brain Booster - he started having some sun downing last summer. With all the supplements he is taking, you would never believe he has a Grade VI murmur. He has so much energy and spunk (I think having a little brother helps too!).

Thank you again for all your wonderful products and support." - Andrea, Florida



Power Probiotic

Power Probiotic - Power Probiotic is one of the best probiotics for dogs recovering from giardia because it helps restore healthy gut bacteria, support digestion and help firm loose stool. Giardia, diarrhea, antibiotics and anti-parasitic medications can upset the balance of good bacteria in your dog’s digestive tract, leading to ongoing stomach issues and sensitive digestion. This triple-action probiotic contains beneficial bacteria, spore probiotics and prebiotics to help support a healthier gut, stronger immune system and better digestion overall. Especially helpful for puppies and dogs with sensitive stomachs, many dogs love the taste of Power Probiotic.

Soothing Digestive Relief

Soothing Digestive Relief - Soothing Digestive Relief is a gentle natural remedy that helps support dogs recovering from giardia by calming the digestive tract, soothing stomach irritation and helping firm loose stool. Giardia, diarrhea, antibiotics and anti-parasitic medications can leave dogs with ongoing digestive upset and sensitive stomachs even after treatment. Marshmallow root and papaya leaf help coat and protect the digestive tract while supporting healthier digestion and nutrient absorption. Especially helpful for puppies and dogs with sensitive stomachs, Soothing Digestive Relief works well with Power Probiotic to help restore long-term digestive health.

Symptoms Of Giardia in Dogs

Giardia is a protozoal infection (parasite) of the intestines that is transmitted by water or fecal ingestion. It can be easily transmitted, even at the nicest facilities and pet social areas. Giardia spreads through giardia cysts which are passed through cat or dog feces and other animals then get exposed by ingesting them. It can spread very quickly to other pets (and while risk is low, it can be transmitted to humans), so it is important to be proactive in preventing and treating giardia. Pet owners need to be vigilant to keep animals separated and clean up quickly after the pet defecates. Common signs of giardia include:

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    Intermittent or continual diarrhea

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    Vomiting

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    Weight loss or failure to gain weight

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    Dehydration

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    Lackluster coat

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    Bloody diarrhea

dog with giardia

Long Term Effects Of Giardia in Dogs

Giardia can have long-term effects on dogs beyond just irritation and inflammation in the intestinal lining. Giardia infections can also significantly impact the gut microbiome, the community of bacteria and other microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. The giardia parasite can disrupt the balance of these beneficial bacteria, leading to dysbiosis - a condition where harmful bacteria outnumber the good ones. This imbalance often makes dogs more susceptible to reinfestations, commonly referred to as chronic giardia in dogs, and may contribute to the development of IBS and allergies due to ongoing intestinal inflammation.

Many pet owners report that their dogs experience increased sensitivities to foods, allergy symptoms, and recurring bouts of diarrhea and loose stool (IBS symptoms) after a giardia infection. Repairing the intestinal lining is essential to help prevent the long-term effects of giardia in dogs. Scientists have studied* the long-term effects of giardia in people and determined that it can lead to allergies, development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), arthritis and other health issues. Restoring the gut microbiome through proper diet, probiotics, and natural supplements is essential to help reduce the risk of the long-term effects of giardia in dogs.

*Reference: Research study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2013 Dec 21; 19(47): 8974–8985. Extra-intestinal and long term consequences of Giardia duodenalis infections. Marie CM Halliez and André G Buret.


Treatment For Giardia in Dogs

Giardia treatment in dogs needs to be a multipronged approach. While medications may kill giardia, the infestation can have a long-term effect on your dog's digestive system and bowel function (many pets may be diagnosed with IBD later in life). The giardia parasites and the medications used to treat them can irritate and inflame your dog's digestive tract.

It is important to use both conventional treatments from your veterinarian along with an aftercare treatment plan using natural remedies and good hygiene to prevent reinfestation and help heal your dog's intestinal lining. Effective treatment of giardia includes:

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    Antiparasitic medications prescribed by your veterinarian

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    Good hygiene to prevent reinfestation

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    Natural giardia treatments to repair and rebuild your dog's intestinal tract

Natural Treatments For Giardia & Parasites

IBD Kit

IBD Kit - Our IBD Kit includes three unique supplements specially designed to calm and soothe the digestive tract, firm up stool, relieve tummy rumbling and reduce gas, mucus and bloody stool. The Kit includes Power Probiotic, Soothing Digestive Relief and NOT Anti-Inflammatory Drops. These products are ideal for pets with IBD, IBS and long-term intestinal inflammation from giardia or other parasites. They are gentle and easy to use. Each natural remedy may be purchased separately, but dog owners have seen the best results using all 3 digestive supplements together.

K9 Yeast Defense

K9 Yeast Defense - K9 Yeast Defense provides advanced gastrointestinal support for dogs that have been exposed to or treated for worms, parasites or giardia. This leading digestive health supplement is a specially formulated herbal blend containing grapefruit seed extract (GSE), pau d'arco, garlic bulb and caprylic acid. Dogs that have had giardia and parasites frequently develop a weakened digestive system as a result of the inflammation and irritation of the lining of the intestinal tract. It is not uncommon for these pets to develop food sensitivities, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or yeast overgrowth. Using K9 Yeast Defense along with Power Probiotic can help restore healthy digestive and immune function.

How To Prevent Giardia Reinfestation in Dogs

puppy getting a bath to prevent giardia reinfestation
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Wash your dog and their bedding several times during the first two weeks of the treatment period.


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Use a baby wipe or wet paper towel and gloves to wipe your dog's rear end after defecation.


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Reinfestation is a HUGE PROBLEM. If at all possible, keep your infected pet separated in an isolated area. You may want to ask your veterinarian about proactively treating other pets, although the medications can be harsh. Be sure your infected pet only urinates and defecates in an isolated area (no grass is best) away from where other pets may go.


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ALWAYS wear gloves when picking up stool infested with giardia or parasites/worms, and then throw the baggie into another baggie with a tie on top. Immediately pick up the stool if possible. Giardia can get into the ground, concrete, etc.


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After you clean up the area, use bleach or a cleaning product containing bleach. Wash your shoes after walking on the infected area.


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Keep children, workers, pets and housekeepers away from the trash.


About The Author: Susan Blake Davis, MA, MBA, CCN

Susan Blake Davis, CCN, is a Pet Nutritionist and founder of Ask Ariel, providing veterinarian recommended, human-grade supplements for dogs and cats for over 20 years. Susan developed these supplements after years of working in animal rescue, helping thousands of shelter pets regain their health through holistic nutrition and care.

From 2005 to 2015, she offered holistic pet nutrition consultations at VCA Hospitals and a veterinary oncology center, working alongside Dr. David Gordon, a respected integrative veterinarian in Southern California. Over the years, veterinarians nationwide have recommended Ask Ariel supplements after seeing firsthand the proven results in their patients.

A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of UC Davis with a Master’s from UCLA and certification as a Clinical Nutritionist, Susan’s expertise has been featured in Catster, Dogster, The Los Angeles Times, and the Orange County Register.



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