Coccidia are small protozoans (one-celled organisms) that live in the intestinal tracts of dogs and cats.

They cause disease most commonly in puppies and kittens less than six months of age, in adult animals whose immune system is suppressed, or in animals who are stressed in other ways
(e.g.; change in ownership, other disease present, giving birth).In dogs and cats, most coccidia are of the genus called Isospora. Isospora canis and I. ohioensis are the species most often encountered in dogs. Regardless of which species is present, we generally refer to the disease as coccidiosis. As a puppy ages, he tends to develop a natural immunity to the effects of coccidia.
As an adult, he may carry coccidia in his intestines, and shed the cyst in the feces, but experience
no ill effects.

How are coccidia transmitted?
A puppy is not born with the coccidia organisms in his intestine. However, once born, the puppy is frequently exposed to his mother’s feces even if just a tiny speck, and if the mother is shedding the infective cysts in her feces due to the stress of motherhood, then the young animals will likely ingest them and coccidia will develop within the young animal’s intestines. Since young puppies, usually those less than six months of age, have no immunity to coccidia, the organisms
reproduce in great numbers and parasitize the young animal’s intestines.

Often times in young animals, this can have mild to severe effects.
From exposure to the coccidia in feces to the onset of the illness is about 13 days. Most puppies who are ill from coccidia are, therefore, two weeks of age and older. Although most infections are the result of spread from the mother, this is not always the case. Any infected puppy or kitten
is contagious to other puppies or kittens. In breeding facilities, shelters, animal hospitals, dog parks, etc., it is wise to isolate those infected from those that are not. It can also be spread from a single fly in the backyard so is easily contracted by a young puppy!

What are the symptoms of coccidiosis?
The primary sign of an animal suffering with coccidiosis is diarrhea. The diarrhea may be mild to severe depending on the level of infection. Blood and mucous may be present, especially in advanced cases. Severely affected animals may also vomit, lose their appetite, become dehydrated, and in some instances, die from the disease.
Most infected puppies are in the four to twelve week age group. this age group is most susceptible because they are going through stressful periods like weaning or moving to a new home. The possibility of coccidiosis should always be considered when a loose stool or diarrhea
is encountered in this age group. A microscopic fecal exam by a veterinarian will detect the cysts confirming a diagnosis. also note it is best to do a follow up test even if the test is negative as it may not be present in each sample.
It should be mentioned that stress plays a huge role in the development of coccidiosis. It is not uncommon for a seemingly healthy puppy to arrive at his new home and develop diarrhea several days later leading to a diagnosis of coccidia. Remember, the incubation period (from
exposure to illness) is about seven to thirteen days. If the puppy has been with his new owner several weeks, then the exposure to coccidia most likely occurred after the animal arrived at the new home.

What are the risks?
Although most cases are mild, it is not uncommon to see severe, bloody diarrhea result in dehydration and even death (in extreme cases). This is most common in animals who are ill or infected with other parasites, bacteria, or viruses. Coccidiosis is very contagious, not to humans, especially among young puppies.

What is the treatment of coccidiosis?
Fortunately, coccidiosis is very treatable. Drugs such as sulfadimethoxine (Albon®) and trimethoprim-sulfadiazine (Tribrissen®) have been effective in the treatment and prevention of
coccidia. Because these drugs do not kill the organisms, but rather inhibit their reproduction capabilities, elimination of coccidia from the intestine is not rapid. By stopping the ability of the protozoa to reproduce, time is allowed for the puppy’s own immunity to develop and remove the
organisms. Drug treatments of one to three weeks are usually required.

How is coccidiosis prevented or controlled?
All fecal material should be removed. No dirty shoes around young puppies! Housing needs to be such that food and water cannot become contaminated with feces. Clean water should be
provided at all times. Most disinfectants do not work well against coccidia; incineration of the feces, and steam cleaning, immersion in boiling water, or a 10% ammonia solution are the best
methods to kill coccidia. Coccidia can withstand freezing. Never allow a puppy around ammonia it can kill them!
Flies can mechanically carry coccidia from one place to another. Mice and other animals can ingest the coccidia and when killed and eaten by a dog, and can infect the dog. Therefore, insect and rodent control is very important in preventing coccidiosis. The coccidia species of dogs and cats do not infect humans.

Giardia
The most common drugs used to kill Giardia are Fenbendazole and metronidazole. These drugs are normally given for three to ten days to treat giardiasis then again 13 days post final dose.
Both drugs may be given in combination if necessary. We have had a couple of stubborn bouts of Giardia in the past as we live near birds and water and now make it routine to de worm with Fenbendazle starting at 6 weeks and again at 8-9 and also give this to pregnant mother at 5o days of pregnancy for 3-5 days straight as a precaution. It is quite easy to get rid of and believe it or not many people and animals are carriers but the immune system fights it off so symptoms are never present. Tap water, stagnate water a pup may get on a walk, dog parks, birds, dirty shoes and other infected animals are usually the cause of it.

I will be very honest Giardia is probably the most pesky thing I have ever delt with as a breeder, stool samples often do not show positive results either… We have much wild life around us and it is carried in the muscles of mother dogs, when they give birth it will release this is why I treat my mammas at 50 days of pregnancy, I cannot, not let my dogs outside though!
But thank goodness it is cheap and easy to cure! All of our pups get preventative treatment which is also a broad spectrum dewormer (safeguard) 3 treatments before coming home.