BACKCOUNTRY GIARDIA
It’s easy to remember that giardia is a bad parasite or cyst in feces in open water or on the ground. It can make us humans really sick.
But I am surprised at the amount of literature now that specifically calls for concerns and safety measures to keep your dog from getting sick too.
Every time I take my dogs hiking they make a straight shot to the nearest stream or lake or other puddle of water to tank up before moving on. Most of the stream water is snow melt, natural springs, and rain runoff. But, since I do not see where the water starts, I have no idea what other animals may have used the water source too.
In that mystery, giardia may lie. Chances are your dog will not ingest the nasty water containing giardia cysts, but if they do, like us, they can get rather sick. Signs and symptoms include diarrhea and severe dehydration. However, many dogs may show no signs at all. In fact, they may pick up the parasite by simply sniffing an area where the bugs are populated.
According to the VCA Animal health website http://www.vcahospitals.com, the microscopic parasites grab hold of the inside wall of the intestine and the damage from that encounter causes a “sudden-onset” of foul smelling diarrhea. After that your dog may vomit as well. Unfortunately these signs may stick around for a couple of weeks.
Luckily a nasty case of giardia is usually not life-threatening. It could be tough going for you and your hiking partner during recovery. If these conditions continue or get worse overtime be sure to check with your veterinarian.
There is a vaccination available to help reduce the impact of this crappy parasite. Currently literature does not give it a rousing endorsement though because it does not prevent your dog from ingesting the parasite. Essentially, it is easier to treat your dog for one to two weeks with antibiotics than to give them a shot that may do little to help before they get sick.
All things being equal, I would neither deter nor recommend preventative treatment for giardia. Depending on your dog and his health, it might be a good idea. I did get the shot for my dogs. They get into water where ever we hike. If a couple of cc’s of medicine can help reduce the effects of a bad case of the runs, I feel it is worth it.
So far, hiking in the high country where sheep and cattle have free range in sections of national forest land, I have run across fields of their droppings. My dogs have shown no signs of any illness. Oh sure, my big black pointer mix has to show me how proud she is that she found a fresh pile of field perfume, but at least that easily washes off in the backyard with some shampoo and the garden hose.
If I know that I will hiking through an area with high free range herd activity or there may only be limited water supplies I will bring along my water purification pump. It is far easier to pump water into extra bottles and carry that supply. Knowing I have clean water for my dogs gives me peace of mind and hopefully keep them both hydrated and healthy.
One backcountry preventative vaccine I do recommend helps lessen the severe impact of a rattlesnake bite. Due to my experience with rattlesnakes, I do invest in rattlesnake venom vaccinations. This will be the topic for my next article.
Happy hiking.
Dog Hikes 