Dog Coccidia: Pet Infections, Causes, & What is the Disease?
Dog Coccidia: Pet Infections & Causes; Prevention: What is Coccidia?
Coccidia is a small blood sucker too small to visibly see by the naked eye. Dog coccidia parasites most commonly affect stressed or younger pups. The infection attacks the intestinal tissue causing harsh damage. Coccidia is not a worm, it is a single cell organism called “protozoa”. You can not detect the disease without a Veterinarian.
Dog Coccidia: Pet Infections, Causes, & What is the Disease?
Coccidia Pet Infection and Disease Risk in your Family?
Coccidia cannot be transmitted to humans because the pet infection is not zoonotic. However, it can transfer to other pets. Proper sanitation in your home is at the utmost of importance. There are pet safe products available to help make sure the hygiene in your home is protected.
How does the virus occur?
Animals can get the pet virus by eating contaminated fecal matter. Likewise, they can get it by infected animals or rodents. Parasites in the immature stage can last up to a year in successful climates.
Signs, Symptoms & Infection of Disease:
Some beloved pets will not show any signs, symptoms or any infection manifestation of the dog coccidia disease. At a minimum, you should allow your Veterinarian to perform two fecal exams per year. Some of your best friends (including puppies) may show signs and symptoms such as:
- Loose stools, abnormal bowel movements / diarrhea
- Weight burden / loss
- Dehydration
- Loss of appetite
Your veterinarian can diagnose pet coccidia with a fecal exam at least twice per year. Fecal exams should be performed more often with puppies and sick pets.
How is coccidia treated?
Coccidia pet infection is treated with oral antibiotics. In some cases, on going therapy treatment is needed in a supervised vet clinic. A vet recheck appointment may be needed to perform other tests or have other treatments given.
Potential Coccidia Cures and How to Protect your Best Friend:
- Schedule an appointment with your vet to test for potential virus’ vs other
- Give your pet treatment as soon as possible
- Consider a pet waste removal service to immediately remove any harmful fecal matter in your yard or inside your home. These professionals have the “special eye” to removal potential pet infections.