How Giardiasis and Coccidiosis Affect Your Dog’s Health

Introduction

Protozoa are microscopic, single-celled organisms that can live either freely or as parasites. A parasite is an organism that lives on or within a host organism and obtains its food from or at the expense of the host. The dog’s intestine contains a large number of parasites. Giardia and coccidia are the most common parasitic infections in dogs’ intestinal tracts. These conditions are common in puppies at the weaning stage. Domestic pets are less likely to be infected than stray and shelter dogs. Giardia and coccidia are endemic in areas of the world with poor sanitation. Although the parasites are found in lakes, ponds, rivers, soil and public water supplies. Even the groundwater and surface water can be infected by these parasites from waste water discharge or from the faeces of animals.

Coccidiosis In Dogs

• The coccidia parasite causes a disease known as coccidiosis. They are spore-forming protozoa, a single-celled organism that infects the intestinal tracts of puppies and kittens. Coccidia are extremely hard, can even survive in freezing temperatures, and exist in the environment for a long time.
• Coccidia can be transmitted from animal to animal via fecal – oral route. The infected fecal material can contaminate water, soil. So animals can contract the disease by eating and drinking from contaminated sources, or by licking themselves or other animals. Coccidia
• The dog ingests the coccidia as immature oocysts, and oocytes release sporozites that invade the cells of the intestinal lining, where they reproduce rapidly and cause the destruction of intestinal cells. The oocysts are released more into the environment when sporozoites are reproduced.
• Coccidia damages the intestinal cells and potentially results in the host animal having mucoid diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and also blood in the feces, which can be fatal.

Giardiasis In Dogs

• Giardiasis is a serious disease caused by an infection of Giardia parasites. A dog becomes infected with giardia when it swallows the cyst stage of the parasite. Once the cyst passes through the dog’s intestine, it transforms into trophozoites and attaches to the intestinal wall to feed.
• Giardia comes in two forms: trophozoites and cysts. Infected dogs’ small intestines contain trophozoites, which are vegetative and continue to replicate. The cysts are trophozoites surrounded by an outer shell that is excreted in the dog’s stool. The cysts are so hardy that they can live for months in their environment.
• These infections are transmitted from one animal to another via direct or indirect contact with infected feces, drinking contaminated water, or direct/indirect contact with offspring cysts.
• Gairdia infection is widespread, but the disease is uncommon. The problem can only be resolved after the organism has been removed from the pet’s gut through proper treatment.

Risk Factors

• These two parasitic infections are commonly seen in puppies and in immune-compromised adults who are susceptible to infection.
• Giardiasis is frequently seen in adult dogs, as they develop a natural immunity to coccidia, which decreases the chance of infection in adults.
• Some adult dogs can host an infection and remain asymptomatic , so if one of the dogs is infected, it is mandatory to have them all tested as they shed oocysts in the environment, which can be a threat for any visiting dogs or puppies with the infection.
• If the dog with diarrhoea went to the vet for treatment, they usually tested for the presence of parasites. Early diagnosis improves the prognosis of the disease.

Diagnosis Of Coccidia Or Giardia

• The main common symptom of a protozoan infection is diarrhea, but there may be several reasons for it. The symptoms include loose, watery faeces, vomiting, nausea, gas, dehydration and abdominal pain
• Few dogs remain asymptomatic but still have parasitic infections.

Sample Collection

To detect the giardia infection, the vet is likely to test a sample of your dog’s stool. The sample should be in sufficient quantity, and it should be collected fresh, less than 24 hours before faeces get dry. The samples are then examined in a lab to check for the presence of parasites.

Procedure

• Giardia parasites can sometimes be identified using fecal flotation, but some veterinarians prefer to use the SNAP test for giardia screening. This test detects giardia antigens, which are parasite-produced proteins found in the feces of infected pets.
• Coccidiosis can be diagnosed through microscopic examination. By placing the fecal matter on the cover slip for better clearance, centrifugation can be done to concentrate the egg over the surface, making it easier to see parasites.
• The negative results don’t indicate the absence of parasites. Because oocysts are not shed into the faeces of dogs, if animals show symptoms, they should not be ignored and a laboratory diagnosis should be done.

Ayurvedic Overview

Dogs, like humans, have a mind-body type known as dosha. The tridoshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) are combinations of nature’s five elements: space, air, fire, water, and earth. It has also been observed that doshas are easily visible in domesticated animals. In Ayurveda, the primary cause of intestinal worm infection is aggravated doshas of the body. The reason behind this is the improper care of puppies, their food habits or an unhealthy lifestyle. Ayurveda promotes longevity in animals with a holistic and individualised approach. There are so many herbs that help treat various problems and facilitate deep healing. This also provides a balanced diet , herbal medications, and natural therapies.

Introduction To Tridoshas In Dogs

• Vata Dosha: The vata dosha is marked as airy, light and dry and is responsible for the mind and bodily movements. If your dog is expressing anxiety, fear or a weak appetite, that is due to the imbalance of the vata dosha.
• Pitta Dosha: The pitta dosha is marked as being hot, moist, sharp and attentive. The imbalance, or high pitta, may lead to digestive disorders and inflammation. The dog shows anger or aggression and also exhibits jealous behavior.
• Kapha Dosha: The kapha dosha is marked as being too heavy, slow and inert. The imbalance of this dosha may lead to weight gain and overprotection.

Herbal Remedies For Giardiasis And Coccidiosis By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP company that makes herbal products with strict adherence to ancient Ayurveda. All the herbal medications are made with natural herbs and have no side effects. Ayurveda focuses on the healing and prevention of disease through natural herbs, vegetables and fruits. As everybody is seeking a healthy, happy and long life for the dog, ayurveda is the key. There are so many herbal medications and organic products that serve animals without any side effects. Planet Ayurveda gives the best ever natural medications for humans and animals that totally cure diseases without any harmful effects. Below are the herbal medications shown that help in the treatment of infections:

Products List

1. Gut Vet Tablet
2. Gut Vet Syrup
3. Inflam Vet Tablet
4. Wormistop Capsules

Products Description

1. Gut Vet Tablet

The gut vet tablet of Planet Ayurveda is a natural Ayurvedic herbal formulation. It contains Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), and Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra). These ingredients help to support and balance the dosha of dogs. Gut Vet tablets help to cleanse and detoxify the body. It works for all types of animals. This tablet can prevent giardiasis and coccidiosis protozoan infections while also treating digestive issues and diarrhea.

Dosage: Three tablets twice daily for dogs.

2. Gut Vet Syrup

The gut vet syrup of Planet Ayurveda is made with the standardized extracts of Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare), Pudina (Mentha peprita), and many more. These herbs have antibacterial and antiprotozol effects that kill certain types of bacteria and protozoan parasites. In dogs and other animals, it is also mandatory to treat infections of the digestive tract.

Dosage: 10 ml twice daily for dogs or as directed by a physician.

3. Inflam Vet Tablet

The inflam vet tablet consists of Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Guggul (Commiphora mukul). This is a natural ayurvedic herbal formulation that helps with all kinds of inflammatory conditions. As in pets, it has been seen that the increase in the number of worms leads to inflammation in the caecum and colon that causes diarrhea. So this Inflam vet tablet prevents these parasitic and protozoan infections and cures the disease.

Dosage: Three tablets twice daily for dogs.

4. Wormistop Capsules

The wormistop capsules are made with natural ingredients like Palaash (Butea monosperma), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Vidang (Embelia ribes) and Sonth (Zingiber officinale). These herbs have the capability to fight against any type of worm, such as parasites and protozoans (giardiasis and coccidiosis). It is mandatory to deworm your pet’s gut, this capsule helps in deworming and clears the toxins from the gut of the pet.

Dosage: Two capsules thrice daily for dogs.

Conclusion

The given herbal medications from Planet Ayurveda were only developed to treat the infections of animals without causing any harm. Gut health or digestive health is important to maintain in pets, as whatever you serve, they will eat the same. Proper guidance and diet must be given to the pets. It is necessary to learn this when bringing a new dog or pet into your home. Everyone loves dogs, and everyone tries to go over everything during the adoption process, but it is impossible to do so. All dog owners must be aware of annual vaccinations such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, but many are unaware of parasites and worm infections, which are not even protected by vaccines.