For those who own and care for dogs, there can be a lot of questions about the best way to protect them from disease.
One such vaccine that was once available, but is now discontinued, is the Giardia vaccine for dogs. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what you need to know about this vaccine and why it’s no longer available.
What Is Giardia?
Giardia is a microscopic parasite that can cause gastrointestinal illness in humans and animals. The most common form of infection among animals is canine giardiasis, which is caused by the Giardia duodenalis parasite.
Symptoms include diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting, weight loss, and lack of appetite. It can also be spread from one animal to another through contact with fecal matter or contaminated surfaces.
Why Was the Vaccine Discontinued?
The Giardia vaccine was designed to provide protection against canine giardiasis in dogs over 6 weeks old.
Unfortunately, due to its persistent reduction in effectiveness over time, the vaccine was voluntarily discontinued by its manufacturer in 2018. As such, there are currently no vaccines available on the market for canine giardiasis at this time.
How Can I Protect My Dog From Giardia?
The best way to protect your dog from giardiasis is by practicing good hygiene and sanitation around your home or yard where your pet may come into contact with contaminated surfaces or water sources.
Additionally, having your pet tested for giardiasis on a regular basis is key; if your pet tests positive for giardiasis or any other intestinal parasite, it should be treated accordingly with appropriate medications prescribed by your veterinarian.
Finally, make sure to always keep up-to-date with all routine vaccinations that are recommended by your vet including rabies vaccines as these will help protect against other diseases which could be deadly if contracted by your pet.
Although it’s unfortunate that the Giardia vaccine has been discontinued due to its persistent reduction in effectiveness over time, there are still measures you can take as a dog owner in order to protect your pet from becoming infected with this dangerous parasite – including practicing good hygiene and sanitation around your home or yard where they may come into contact with contaminated surfaces or water sources as well as having them regularly tested for giardiasis by their veterinarian and make sure they stay up-to-date on all routine vaccinations recommended by their vet (such as rabies). By taking these steps you can help ensure that your pet stays healthy and safe!
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