What is Coccidia in Dogs?
Coccidia in canines is an illness that needs to be carefully observed and dealt with in order to provide your furry pal as many healthful years as possible.
Coccidia in dogs are tiny single-celled parasites that are found within the wall of a dog's intestine. They are more prevalent in puppies, but can also effect elderly dogs too.
More info about the early signs of coccidia and what are the causes of coccidia and treatments for coccidia in dogs can be found on this post.
Symptoms of Coccidia in Dogs
Coccidia can cause obvious changes in your dog’s wellbeing and behaviour. Knowing the symptoms of Coccidia in dogs is the first step in safeguarding your pet’s wellbeing. If any of these signs apply to your pet, bring your canine to your veterinarian for a checkup:
- Diarrhea
- Dehyrdration
- Weight Loss
- Vomiting
- Not Eating
Please Note: The information provided in this web page is designed to help inform you regarding coccidia. It is not meant to replace the vet diagnosis or treatment for coccidia. If you have any questionsor concerns about your pet’s health or possible symptoms, be sure to get in touch with and consult with your vet as soon as you can.
The Main Causes of Coccidia in Dogs
To understand and treat coccidia in dogs, you need to know the underlying causes of coccidia in dogs. This can help a pet owner prevent coccidia occurring in the first place or again.
Most of the time, dogs become infected with coccidia by swallowing dog feces or soil that contains coccidia.
Diagnosing Coccidia in Dogs
No one understands your canine better than you do and therefore it is vital that your dog be checked properly by a veterinarian at least once a year.
Coccidiosis is normally diagnosed through a fecal flotation test where the vet will look for oocysts under a microscope. Since oocysts are a lot smaller than intestinal worm eggs, a thorough and careful examination must be performed.
To make detection easier, zinc sulfate flotation solution should be used.
If your dog is infected with some of the less common coccidial parasites, they may only need a blood test to diagnose coccidia in dogs.
For pets at risk of getting coccidia, more frequent check ups at the vet may be advised.
Preventing Coccidia in Dogs
Avoiding coccidia in dogs is always more ideal than treating it, hence let’s explore ways to prevent coccidia in dogs rather than treating it.
To not to seem weak or vulnerable to predators, the innate survival instincts make canines hide diseases. This implies extensive physical exams by a certified veterinarian are vital to keep your pets healthy. Generally, blood and urine tests performed by your vet are required to get the complete picture of your pet’s health. These preventive checks actions will detect any health issue earlier making treatment more successful and less expensive and, more importantly, will help your pet live a longer, much healthier life.
Coccidia in dogs can be prevented by regulalry removing dog feces from your yard. Since coccidia is mostly found in puppies, it is advised you get your puppy examined for parasites as soon as you can.
Treatment for Coccidia in Dogs
To treat coccidia in dogs most veterinarians will prescribe a sulfa-type antibiotic (sulfadimethoxine), which is usually adminstered for 1-4 weeks. For severe coccidia infections, your pet may have to repeat the treatment. If your pet is dehydrated and has excessive diarrhea then other medications, like IV fluids, may be needed.
Chat to your vet to find out more about how to treat coccidia in dogs.