Dogs get coccidia from swallowing infected soil or substances containing dog feces. Removing dog feces from your yard and the dog's environment is the best protection. Your veterinarian can test, and treat if necessary, your dog for coccidia. Puppies should be tested regularly.
Can dogs get coccidia from their own poop?
Dogs usually contract coccidia orally, by ingesting fecal matter. Fecal material can contaminate food and water sources, introducing the protozoa to canine hosts.
How is coccidia in dogs spread?
Dogs can get coccidia by ingesting the oocyst (immature coccidia) from a contaminated environment, such as soil or feces that contains coccidia. Young puppies are more likely to become infected with coccidia when they are exposed to contaminated dog feces due to their underdeveloped immune system.
How do you get rid of coccidia in dogs?
How is coccidiosis treated? Your veterinarian may prescribe a sulfa-type antibiotic called sulfadimethoxine, which is usually given for 5-25 days. In severe infections, it may be necessary to repeat the treatment.
Where do coccidia come from?
Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease of the intestinal tract of animals caused by coccidian protozoa. The disease spreads from one animal to another by contact with infected feces or ingestion of infected tissue. Diarrhea, which may become bloody in severe cases, is the primary symptom.
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