Giardia & Parasites in Dogs & Cats
Insights from Dr. Marty Greer (Revival Animal Health)
Introduction
Dr. Marty Greer, Director of Veterinary Services at Revival Animal Health, advises against treating asymptomatic pets that test positive for Giardia—principally because modern tests (ELISA/PCR) detect antigen/DNA remnants, not necessarily live parasites. Treating every positive can disrupt gut flora and potentially increase susceptibility to future infections.
Modern Diagnostic Limitations
• ELISA/PCR detect antigen or DNA, not live cysts → a positive may simply reflect recent exposure, not active infection.
• Dr. Greer states:
“This test [ELISA] can stay positive long after the cysts are gone. Long after the dog is normal… If they don’t see the cysts and the dog doesn’t have soft stools, I don’t even treat them.” – Intestinal Parasites in Dogs Webinar
• Revival Animal Health, in its “Giardia in Dogs and Cats” guide, notes:
“ELISA tests may remain positive even after treatment for variable periods of time (one week to two months)”.
Dr. Greer’s Treatment Guidelines
Treat only when warranted:
• Symptomatic pets: Treat if there are clinical signs like diarrhea.
• Asymptomatic pets: No treatment unless there is a zoonotic risk or immunocompromised co-housemate.
Treatment recommendations:
• Fenbendazole for 5–7 days; bathe daily to prevent re-ingestion of cysts.
• Metronidazole as an alternative, but with caution due to side effects.
Guidelines from Veterinary Authorities
Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC)
• Confirms that asymptomatic dogs may not require treatment.
• Advises symptomatic pets, zoonotic assemblages, or immunocompromised households get treated.
• Notes: “ELISA and PCR tests may remain positive even after treatment … and should not be used as a guide to determine reinfection or failure of treatment.”
Veterinary White Papers / Kenneled Settings
• In kennel settings, treatment decisions should consider symptoms, history, test type, environment, and profit risk.
• Emphasize rigorous hygiene: bathing dogs, environmental disinfection, stool removal.
Risks of Over-Treatment
• Gut microbiome disruption from repeated antiparasitic drugs.
• Resistance risk: Some Giardia strains develop drug resistance.
• Unnecessary expense and stress, especially when tests reflect resolved infections.
Recommended Action Plan (Summary Table)
Clinical Scenario Recommendation
- Positive test, no symptoms: Monitor. Do not treat unless risk factors present. |
- Positive test + diarrhea : Treat (fenbendazole or metronidazole) + hygiene protocol.
- Kennel or group housing: Treat symptomatic animals, bathe, disinfect, isolate if possible.
- Post-treatment testing : Use fecal flotation, not ELISA/PCR; wait 24–48 hours after therapy.
References & Copy-Ready Links
1. Revival Animal Health – Intestinal Parasites Webinar
“This test [ELISA] can stay positive long after the cysts are gone…”
2. Revival Animal Health – Giardia in Dogs and Cats
“ELISA tests may remain positive… one week to two months.”
3. Companion Animal Parasite Council – Giardia Guidelines
CAPC’s full guideline and testing recommendations.
4. Purdue Extension – Addressing Giardia in Kennels
Final Thoughts
Remember — Giardia is common, manageable, and not a reason for panic.
With a holistic mindset, proper support, and an understanding of how this parasite works, you can confidently navigate it and support your puppy’s natural resilience.
At Habibi Bears, we focus on building strong immune systems and healthy microbiomes — because a well-supported body is the best defense. We invite you to explore more about our natural rearing approach and how we raise puppies for lifelong health.
We’ve found that feeding a raw diet, combined with our natural herbal dewormer, pumpkin and Gussy’s Gut (Use code “HABIBIBEARS” for your new customer 10% discount) – we are supporting our puppy’s gut biome, assisting their bodies to fight off these parasites on their own. Try it yourself!
We also have a great recipe for natural Giardia treatment that works with any gastro issues- all natural and safe, and you can make it at home, it comes with every pup in their Stellar Start guide book!
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