Those with weakened immune systems should take extra care, especially when handling faeces or administering medication.⁠

What Is Giardia?

Giardia is a microscopic parasite that infects the intestines, causing gastrointestinal issues in dogs. It spreads through contaminated water, food, or surfaces and can even be passed between pets.

Symptoms of Giardia in Dogs

• Diarrhoea (sometimes foul-smelling or greasy)
• Vomiting
• Weight loss or poor appetite
• Lethargy
• Dehydration

How Do Dogs Get Giardia?

Giardia spreads easily, especially in areas where dogs interact or drink from shared water sources. Your pup can pick up this pesky parasite in several ways, often without you even realising it! Here’s how Giardia in spread:

• Drinking contaminated water (puddles, lakes, streams, or infected bowls)
• Contact with infected faeces (even microscopic amounts)
• Licking contaminated surfaces or grooming after exposure
• Being in high-risk areas like dog parks, kennels, or shared water bowls

If Left Untreated, What Can Giardia Cause?

• Severe dehydration
• Chronic diarrhea & weight loss
• Weakened immune system
• Risk of spreading to other pets in the household

How to Protect Your Pup from Giardia?

• Always provide clean, fresh water
• Avoid stagnant puddles or shared bowls in public places
• Pick up and dispose of poop properly
• Keep food and water bowls clean & sanitised
• Visit your vet if your dog shows symptoms

Does Your Woofer Need a Check-Up?

⁠🐶 Chat to a Happy Paws Vet to learn more. Book a check up for your furbaby if symptoms exist.

Canine Upset Stomach Signs

1. Loss of Appetite

If your dog is suddenly not interested in food, this could indicate an upset stomach. A skipped meal is sometimes okay, but if it lasts more than 24 hours, it’s time to take action. Tip: Monitor your dog’s eating habits. If they continue refusing food, contact your vet.

2. Vomiting or Diarrhoea

Frequent vomiting or diarrhoea is a clear sign of digestive distress. Occasional vomiting or loose stools might not be serious, but repeated episodes can lead to dehydration.

Tip: If vomiting or diarrhoea persists for more than 24 hours or is accompanied by blood, contact your vet immediately.

3. Lethargy or Discomfort

Dogs may become less active, sluggish, or show signs of discomfort, such as pacing or whining. Tip: Give your dog time to rest and offer plenty of water. If lethargy persists, it’s time to call your vet.

4. Excessive Drooling or Lip Licking

Excessive drooling, lip licking, or gulping could be signs of nausea. Dogs often do this to try to soothe their stomachs. Tip: Offer bland food, like boiled chicken and rice, in small amounts. If the symptoms don’t improve, consult your vet.

5. Flatulence or Abdominal Noises

Gas or loud gurgling noises from the stomach can also indicate digestive issues. While occasional flatulence is normal, excessive gas can point to an upset stomach.

Tip: Avoid giving your dog rich or fatty foods that could worsen their symptoms. If gas continues, seek advice from your vet.

When to Intervene

Trust your gut and err on the side of caution.

Ultimately, no one knows your pet like you do. If something doesn’t seem right, we are always here to support you, your pets and ensure they receive the care they need.

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Consult Your Happy Paws Vet

No concern is too small, so always trust your instincts.

If you’re unsure, contact the team at Happy Paws – we’re here to help!

Pets come in all shapes and sizes and there’s no ideal weight for every breed. The key is to know what to look out for so you can identify when your pet is getting a bit portly.

Here are our top tips for determining if your pet is carrying a few too many kilos:

• Look at your pet from above – an overweight pet will have lost definition of their waist. Instead of an hourglass figure, they may resemble a barrel on legs.
• Have a feel of your pet’s ribs – if you can’t feel their ribs easily when you run your hands over their sides, they are hidden under a layer of fat. In some cases, you may be able to feel rolls of fat over the ribs.
• Can you see their neck? A very obese pet may have neck fat, a pendulous tummy as well as fat deposits over the hips.

The very best way to determine whether your pet is overweight is to drop in for a weight check with us. This will allow us to score your pet’s body condition and, if necessary, start a weight loss plan.

Thankfully, getting your pet to lose weight is easier than you think.

Physical exercise is a must, but it will be absolutely crucial to monitor the amount, as well as what type of food you are feeding your pet. Get your family involved in the process too and make sure no one is sneaking extra scraps from the dinner table.

It’s also easy to overdo the treats at home and you might not be aware just how much of an impact these treats are having on your pet’s weight. Keep these calorie translator facts in mind when you are having trouble saying ‘no’ to those adorable eyes:

For the average 5kg cat: a glass of milk is equivalent to a human eating 3 hamburgers (not to mention the fact that cats can’t digest the lactose in cow’s milk)

For a 10kg dog: a 30g piece of cheese is equivalent to a human eating 1.5 hamburgers

The best news is, we have diets available that will actually help your pet lose weight, including one to increase your pet’s metabolic rate. We are happy to say that many of our patients have had great success with these so you should ask us for more information.

Helping your pet lose weight is easier than you think and we will help support you and your pet through the process.