The question is whether or not my pet can infect me with Giardia.
Possibility of contracting Giardia from a household pet is extremely low. In most cases, the Giardia strain that affects canines and felines is different from the human strain.
Talk to your vet if you have any other kinds of pets, whether they’re commonplace or exotic. Chinchillas, beavers, birds, opossums, and monkeys are just some of the animal species that can transmit Giardia to humans.
When and where does Giardia spread?
Anything that comes into contact with the feces of an infected human or animal is at risk of becoming infected with Giardia. By ingesting Giardia bacteria, humans and animals can become ill.
Can my cat or dog catch Giardia from something they eat?
Diseases that could infect your pet dog or cat include:
Coming into contact with the feces of another animal, canine or feline; Rolling around in feces;
When it comes into contact with a dirty surface, it licks its body to remove the germs (for example, a dirty litter box or dog cage or crate)
Taking in water from a polluted stream, pond, or lake.
Puppies and kittens, like all young animals, are more susceptible to illness than their older counterparts.
How can I avoid getting Giardia from my pet if I have a cat or dog?
Your pet dog or cat is unlikely to cause you to become ill with Giardia. However, if you have dogs or cats, you can take precautions to reduce your risk of contracting Giardia:
If you don’t want to get sick from handling potentially infectious poop or soil, use gloves when gardening.
Disinfect and clean all pet-accessible surfaces on a regular basis, including toys, bedding, and food and water bowls.
After handling your pets, their food, treats, waste, or supplies, it is imperative that you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
How do I disinfect my home if my pet has Giardia?
If you want to know how to clean and disinfect, head over to the “Prevention and Control” page.
In what ways can I lessen the prevalence of Giardia in my garden and other outdoor spaces?
The environmental presence of Giardia is difficult to eradicate, but there are steps you can take to protect your pet and family from re-infection.
Always use a bag to collect waste and dispose of it properly when it occurs in your yard or other outdoor areas.
Cat litter should be changed once a day.
If your pet has diarrhea or is being treated for Giardia, it’s best to keep them inside and away from public areas.
Distil standing water (for example, empty any containers of water and remove any water from fountains that are not in use).
You should not treat your soil or grass with bleach or quaternary ammonium compounds because they are ineffective.
Unless otherwise instructed by your vet, keep all new animals, and especially any young ones, inside.