Can you get Giardia from your dog? How?

Answer 1

It is possible, but more likely for a dog to get it from it's owner.

If your dog has giardia, wash your hands thoroughly after playing with him, or cleaning his things. It is uncommon for adults to get it from pets, but children are another story, be sure to wash your child's hands well, too! Especially after they have played outside.

Answer 2

Can Giardia of dogs infect people?

This is another unknown. There are many species of Giardia, and experts do not know if these species infect only specific hosts. Sources of some human infections have possibly been linked to beavers, other wild animals, and domestic animals. Until we know otherwise, it would be wise to consider infected animals capable of transmitting Giardia to humans.

You may have heard about Giardia outbreaks occurring in humans due to drinking contaminated water. Contamination of urban water supplies with Giardia is usually attributed to (human) sewage effluents. In rural settings, beavers most often get the blame for contaminating lakes and streams. Giardia outbreaks have also occurred in day care centers fueled by the less than optimal hygienic practices of children.

godd educational site:>http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1622&articleid=739

Answer 3

Giardia is a common cause of diarrhea in people, and there is a chance that Giardia from dogs could infect people and cause disease. For this reason, if you think your dog may be infected, it is important to see your veterinarian for appropriate tests and safe, effective treatment. Infection of people with Giardia from dogs is rare. It is likely that most people become infected with Giardia passed by other people rather than Giardia from pets.

Answer 4

Yes - the Giardia is passed through the feces, so when cleaning up after him/her, if you somehow didn't wash throughly, and then handled something that you ate, you could ingest the giardia. Always use disinfecting soap after cleaning up. I just treated a foster puppy for Giardia, so I know that the runny dirreah seems never ending.

Answer 5

Yes, usually it is when the dog licks his butt or sniffs another dogs feces and gets the eggs on his lips then licks you. The dog doesn't even have to lick your face for you to get it, if he licks your hand and you touch your mouth or food before washing you can catch it. You should have the dog treated right away, this is not something you want to catch it will make you very sick.

Answer 6

Yes you can. Wash your hands after handling your dog. I worked in a vets office and managed never to get it, but one of my co-workers did, and it wasn't pleasant!!!

Answer 7

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giardia_lamblia