Probiotics?
Anyway, our puppy Merlin tested positive for giardia at his well-puppy exam and is being treated with Panacur and metronidazole. It is unknown whether he had it previously or whether the other pups may have brought it in (I suspect the latter though as the Maltese-Poodle mix had diarrhea and vomiting within a few days of being dropped off. All three pups are being treated simultaneously). Merlin had previously had no symptoms, but after about a day and a half of the antibiotic he lost his appetite and then had some vomiting and now this morning some pretty bad diarrhea (no blood or anything) and it is clear that he's feeling pretty bad. Very low energy today and wanting lots of snuggles (which I do NOT object to!). The vet's office said to discontinue the antibiotic (he didn't get last night's or this morning's dose anyway since he won't eat anything at all). I was wondering if I should be giving him a probiotic though, and if so, what is best for puppies (he's 11 weeks). The vet's office said no need unless his diarrhea doesn't clear up. But if it were ME on the antibiotics, I would have started probiotics at the same time. My instinct is that there is no real reason why I shouldn't. Thoughts? |
|
|
First welcome and congrads on your new family member  Giardia is a common parasite and usually can't be diagnosed so easily. Glad your Vet was able to. It can also take a few doses of meds to get rid of. Why did he stop the antibiotic?Probiotics...we uses a powder that we mix in with food twice a day with meals. It is called Garden of Life Primal defense. Humans can use it as well. We also give a tablespoon of yogurt after the dinner meal. But not sure if all dogs will handle yogurt. Your pup is only 11 weeks - an infant really. They can catch giardi in soil, or drinking out of a lake or puddle or some other water that's been sitting. And humans can catch it so be sure to wash hands after picking up poop or cleaning butts or whatever  Hope he feels better soon. To ease his tummy, try some boiled chicken and rice a few days. And be sure he stays hydrated - especially in this heat. |
| For sure the antibiotics will do a number on the gut flora and fauna, so the probiotics are a great idea. Kensie is having trouble with her antibiotics, we are down to rice and a bit of canned dog food mainly to make rice balls to get the pills down. Letting her tummy rest for 24 hours did wonders then adding Pepic AC to settle tummy. Still not back to her dry food, but then she could be playing me....... Giardia is indeed common, just drinking from a water bowl a bird pooped in, puddles, etc can get it. Used to be mainly in mountain streams, now it is wide spread. |
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|