If you have a puppy that is infected with coccidia, you may be wondering what to feed it. There are many different treatments and prevention options, so you’ll have to be careful to do your research. However, you should also be aware of how your puppy might be feeling. Here are some of the symptoms you can look for.
Symptoms
Coccidia is a parasite that can cause severe diarrhea and abdominal distress in puppies. It is usually a mild ailment, but can be a life threatening condition in some cases.
Puppies should be tested for coccidia before they are brought home. They may pick up the parasite through contaminated sources, such as soil. The disease can also be transmitted from dogs to humans, making it an infection that is highly contagious.
Dogs are susceptible to coccidia when they eat other animals’ feces. Infected feces contain oocysts, which are small eggs. These eggs can survive in the feces for several months.
Puppies are especially at risk of contracting the parasite because they are more likely to eat contaminated feces. Coccidia can also be passed to humans through infected soil, as well as through direct contact with the infected dog.
Coccidia in dogs can be treated at home, though some dogs may require prescription antibiotics. Antibiotics are typically given for 10-14 days.
Some puppies will recover on their own. If the disease is causing dehydration or excessive vomiting, the puppy may be hospitalized.
Puppies should not be allowed to play in an environment where they are vulnerable to coccidia. A sanitary environment is essential, and should include regular cleaning of floors and carpets.
Treatment options
When your puppy is diagnosed with coccidia, you have a few treatment options. The most common is antibiotics, which are usually administered for about 10 to 14 days. Other treatments may include fluid therapy, which is given to help with dehydration.
You will also want to make sure you pick up your puppy’s poop regularly. Coccidia is a very contagious disease, so it’s important to keep your pet’s environment clean.
If your dog has a weakened immune system, coccidia can be fatal. This is especially true in puppies, since their immune systems are still developing.
If your pup gets a case of coccidia, you’ll need to get it treated quickly. Coccidia can cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can make your dog uncomfortable. It can also cause dehydration, which can kill your puppy.
Your veterinarian will likely diagnose your pup with coccidia based on the symptoms he or she sees. A fecal sample may be taken to determine if the disease is present. After treatment, a fecal sample may be repeated to ensure the coccidia infection is gone.
Generally, the prognosis for a dog infected with coccidia is good, if caught in time. In the case of severe dehydration, your vet will need to provide intravenous fluids.
Prevention
Coccidia is a parasite that can affect puppies. It is usually passed on by other animals. The infection is usually fatal, but it can also cause severe symptoms in humans.
Young puppies are particularly susceptible to coccidia. Their immune systems are not fully developed. However, if they get the infection early, they can survive.
There are several factors to consider when preventing coccidia in a puppy. The most important is sanitation. Cleaning and disinfecting regularly is a good idea. In addition, keeping the kennel clean is important.
Vaccines and preventive medications can help protect dogs from certain parasites. If a coccidiosis infection is suspected, the vet can do a fecal test. They may ask you to bring the dog in for another fecal test a week or two after the initial diagnosis.
Another important element of preventing coccidia in a pup is to make sure the environment is free of feces. Leaving feces on the ground can spread the infection to other pets, birds, and cockroaches. This can be especially dangerous when an infected adult dog is visiting puppies.
In order to avoid a coccidiosis infection, you should not let your puppy eat or drink anything from a contaminated animal. In addition, you should keep the kennel clean and devoid of fleas and ticks.