Coccidia are tiny single-celled parasites that live in the wall of your dog's intestine. They are found more often in puppies, but they can also infect older dogs and cats. Dogs become infected by swallowing soil that contains coccidia or other substances in the environment that may contain dog feces.
How does a dog get coccidia?
Your dog most likely became infected with coccidia from swallowing oocysts (immature coccidia) that are found in dog feces and soil contaminated with feces. Infected dogs pass oocysts in the feces.
What are the signs of coccidia in dogs?
Symptoms of Coccidia in DogsWatery, mucousy diarrhea.Explosive diarrhea that may eventually become bloody.Lethargy and weakness.Dehydration.Abdominal discomfort and tenderness.Vomiting.Weight loss.Little or no appetite.
How do you get rid of coccidia in dogs?
The only Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for coccidia is sulfadimethoxine, which must be prescribed by a veterinarian. There are other drugs that are used with some success in the treatment of coccidia, such as ponazuril, which has shown to be effective from the most current published research.
Can humans get coccidia from dogs?
The most common coccidia found in dogs do not have any affect on humans. However, less common types of coccidia are potentially infectious to humans. One parasite, called Cryptosporidium, may be carried by dogs or cats and may be transmitted to people.
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