There’s nothing like a peaceful walk through the forest with your dog trotting happily beside you. The fresh air, the greenery, the quiet—it’s a dream outing for many pet owners. But while these walks may seem wholesome, they can expose your dog to some unwanted microscopic trouble: Giardia.
Giardia is a parasite that thrives in natural water sources like puddles, streams, and damp soil. And unfortunately, those are exactly the kinds of places your dog loves to sniff, splash in, or drink from during a forest hike. At Norgate Animal Hospital, we regularly treat dogs with Giardia after a weekend adventure in the great outdoors.
What Exactly Is Giardia?
Giardia is a protozoan parasite that infects the intestines. Dogs become infected when they ingest the parasite’s cysts, which are often found in contaminated water, soil, or feces. It’s more common than you might think—and the symptoms aren’t always immediate.
Once ingested, Giardia sets up shop in the small intestine and starts interfering with nutrient absorption, often leading to diarrhea and other digestive issues. It’s especially concerning in puppies, seniors, and dogs with weakened immune systems.
How Do Dogs Pick It Up In The Forest?
Giardia isn’t airborne or contagious through casual contact. Instead, dogs typically become infected when they:
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Drink from natural water sources like creeks, puddles, or stagnant pools
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Lick dirty paws after walking through contaminated areas
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Sniff or ingest infected feces from wildlife or other dogs
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Roll in contaminated soil or mud and then groom themselves
These behaviors are nearly impossible to prevent completely on forest trails. That’s why awareness and prevention are so important.
Sneaky Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
One of the trickiest things about Giardia is how mild—or even invisible—the symptoms can be in some dogs. Others may show clear signs, such as:
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Soft, greasy, or foul-smelling stools
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Diarrhea that comes and goes
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Weight loss or failure to gain weight
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Lethargy or low appetite
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Excessive gas or rumbling in the belly
If your dog has had a recent outdoor adventure and is showing any of these signs, it’s worth getting them checked out. At Norgate Animal Hospital, we use diagnostic tests like fecal analysis to confirm the presence of Giardia and get your pet started on effective treatment.
What Treatment Looks Like (And Why You Shouldn’t Wait)
The good news? Giardia is treatable. Most dogs respond well to a combination of antiparasitic medications and probiotics to support gut health. However, delaying treatment can lead to prolonged discomfort and an increased risk of spreading the parasite to other pets—or even people, in rare cases.
We’ve helped many local pet parents deal with Giardia at Norgate Animal Hospital, and early intervention always makes for a smoother, faster recovery.
Smart Steps To Protect Your Pup On Forest Walks
Forest walks can still be part of your dog’s routine—you just need to be a little more cautious. Here’s how to reduce your dog’s risk of picking up Giardia:
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Bring your own water: Always carry fresh, clean water for your dog to drink instead of letting them lap up from streams or puddles.
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Wipe paws after the walk: A simple post-hike wipe-down can remove parasite cysts from fur and paws.
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Avoid letting your dog eat or sniff feces: Easier said than done, but staying alert during your walk can help.
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Schedule regular fecal tests: Especially if your dog frequents off-leash parks, trails, or wooded areas.
Need help figuring out what’s safe and what’s risky? Norgate Animal Hospital is happy to guide you on best practices based on your dog’s habits and lifestyle.
When In Doubt, Let A Vet Check It Out
If your dog’s tummy isn’t quite right after an outdoor adventure—or if they just seem “off”—don’t wait to get them checked. Giardia may be small, but it can cause big trouble if left untreated.
At Norgate Animal Hospital, we’re here to support your dog’s health through every season and every trail. We offer quick diagnostics, effective treatment, and advice tailored to your pet’s needs.
To book an appointment or speak with our team, call us at 604-980-2222. Let’s keep your dog safe, happy, and Giardia-free—no matter where the path takes you.
