Two of the most common parasites pet owners often contend with are Giardia and Coccidia in puppies. If left untreated, Coccidia in puppies can cause severe health issues that may impact your new pup’s adult life. Thankfully, with routine veterinary care and good hygienic practices, Coccidia in puppies can be prevented or detected swiftly. Here’s what you need to know to help your pup achieve and maintain optimal health, free of parasites. Table of Contents: Pro Tip: As a pet parent, you might have already taken into consideration costs for routine preventative treatments like vaccinations and worming. But what happens if your puppy suddenly falls ill? At such an upsetting time, pet insurance can give you peace of mind that those unexpected vet bills can be taken care of, allowing you to focus on what matters most: helping your pup recover. Coccidia is a protozean parasite that causes a disease known as coccidiosis common among puppies. Protozoa are microscopic, single-celled organisms that feed on organic matter such as tissue. Although they’re tiny in size, these parasites are highly resilient, capable of surviving in very low temperatures, and can exist in the environment for up to a year. There are multiple types of the Coccidia species, but the one that most often affects puppies is Cystoisospora (also called Isospora). Puppies ingest the Coccidia parasite as immature oocysts1, which are cells that later divide and multiply as they feed. Oocysts release sporozoites, the infective agent, that attack the intestinal lining where they quickly reproduce and cause damage to the cellular wall. As the sporozoites reproduce, dogs shed more oocysts into the environment through defecation, which can then be picked up by another host. Puppies get Coccidia by picking up the protozoa when drinking or eating from a contaminated source, eating a host animal (such as a rodent or insect), or ingesting infected feces. Birds can also pick up infected feces and spread the contamination further. All mammals are at risk of Coccidia, as well as some fish, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. However, the parasites that infect dogs with Coccidia are not known to cause harm in humans. Nearly all Coccidia infections in animals are specific to their own species. Some less common species of Coccidia can potentially infect people. One of them is Cryptosporidium, which might be carried by cats and dogs, but is also found in the public water supply network of some major cities. This parasite species poses a risk for people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, cancer patients, people taking immune-suppressing drugs, and the elderly. Coccidia is common in puppies, as well as adult dogs with compromised immune systems, whereas healthy adult dogs typically develop a natural immunity to the parasite. Coccidiosis can become very prevalent in conditions of overcrowding (in puppy mills, rescue facilities, pet shops, busy breeding kennels, and shelters), as well as in conditions of malnutrition and poor sanitation. Puppies who are stressed - for instance, after weaning, leaving their mother, or due to another illness - might show symptoms as well.What is Coccidia?
How do puppies get Coccidia?
Can humans get Coccidia from puppies?
Symptoms of Coccidia in puppies
Many adult dogs infected with coccidiosis never show symptoms. Therefore, if one of your pets has a known infection, it’s important to have them all tested to prevent them from shedding oocysts into the environment.
The earliest symptom in puppies is usually mild diarrhea, which might become more severe, mucousy, and contain blood. Other typical symptoms of coccidiosis include:
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Weakness and lethargy
- Abdominal discomfort and tenderness
- Weight loss
- Anorexia
- Little or no appetite
In extreme cases, especially if the condition is left untreated, puppies and dogs with weak immune systems might die. If you see any of these symptoms, be sure to take your puppy to the vet right away.
Diagnosing puppies with Conccidia
A veterinarian will diagnose Coccidia based on the symptoms your puppy exhibits, information you provide, and tests they conduct. The vet might ask you how long your puppy has had diarrhea, if the diarrhea is becoming worse, if they still have a healthy appetite, if they are vomiting, and so forth.
After the vet performs a physical exam, they will likely test a stool sample using a fecal flotation test2 that mixes the stool with a special liquid that causes the parasite eggs to float to the top. The eggs are then collected with a glass slide and examined under a microscope.
The most common type of coccidia, Isospora canis, will be easily detected with this test, although careful evaluation must be made since oocysts are much smaller than the eggs of intestinal worms. Less common forms may be identified through a blood test. Results must be obtained from a stool sample that’s less than 24 hours old.
Coccodia treatment in puppies
After confirming the presence of Coccidia, your veterinarian will likely prescribe sulfadimethoxine3, a sulfa-type drug that is usually given for five to 25 days. If your puppy has diarrhea, the vet might also recommend plenty of water and administering Pedialyte to prevent dehydration.
In more severe cases that cause puppies to experience significant distress due to weakness and dehydration, hospitalization might be necessary for fluid therapy and other medications.
Pro Tip: Heartworm, fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites are common threats to puppies and dogs, and can be fatal if left untreated. While preventive medications and routine vaccines can help protect against some parasites, research has shown that most dogs will suffer from a parasite-borne condition in their lifetime. This is one reason why owners should try to enroll their puppy in a pet insurance plan as soon as possible.
How long does Coccidia last in puppies?
One to two weeks following the completion of the treatment, a veterinarian will request a follow-up fecal test to make sure the parasite has been completely eliminated. Be sure to strictly follow your vet’s recommendations and complete the full prescription, even if your puppy appears to be feeling better.
The prognosis for Coccidia is generally good if caught on time and treated properly, and if the environment is properly decontaminated. All dogs must be treated in multi-pet families, regardless of whether they’re showing symptoms to prevent recurrence or worsening cases of coccidiosis.
How to prevent Coccidia in puppies
Reinfection with coccidia is very common, which is why environmental disinfection is very important, especially in kennels and other environments where a large number of dogs reside.
- Coccidia is resistant to many common disinfectants, but diluted chlorine bleach (one gallon of water combined with one cup of bleach) is usually effective. This mixture can also be sprayed into the soil to kill oocysts.
- Steam cleaning might also be used to kill oocysts. Be sure to disinfect cages, toys, and food bowls on a daily basis to destroy infectious organisms.
- Try to teach your puppy not to eat poop or potentially infected animals such as insects or mice.
- Finally, make sure and have your pup’s poop tested every year for parasites at your local vet office.
Like humans and other animals, dogs and puppies can contract parasitic infections that lead to other diseases. Coccidia is a common parasite in the canine world, often occurring in puppies and leading to a condition called coccidiosis. Certain puppies are at a higher risk for contracting the parasites that cause coccidiosis, including those who are stressed by other illnesses. Puppies living in an unsanitary environment or in the crowded conditions of pet stores and shelters are also very vulnerable. Coccidiosis can cause severe health problems when left untreated, but with good sanitation practices and regular veterinary care, it can be prevented or caught early so your puppy can get back to good health.
Coccidiosis is an intestinal condition caused by coccidia, a common protozoal (single-celled) parasite affecting canines. Multiple types of coccidia exist, but the one that most commonly infects puppies is Isospora (also called Cystoisospora). The parasite colonizes the lining of the intestine, sometimes leading to illness. Dogs that contract coccidia do not always develop coccidiosis, but young puppies and older dogs with other illnesses are the most vulnerable. Many adult dogs infected with coccidia never show obvious signs of being ill.
Other diseases and different protozoal parasites like giardia can make puppies and adult dogs exhibit symptoms similar to those seen during an infection of coccidia. Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose the difference between coccidiosis and other illnesses, but at home, look out for the following symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
The parasite affects the dog's intestines, which usually leads to early signs of coccidiosis like mild diarrhea. This is the earliest sign, and it may become more severe and/or contain blood.
Vomiting in puppies can have a wide variety of causes, sometimes due to eating too much, consuming grass, or even ingesting a foreign object. However, it can also be a sign of more serious conditions including parasitic infections like coccidiosis. If your puppy is vomiting, it's best to consult your veterinarian to determine the reason.
When puppies and dogs feel ill, they may stop eating normal amounts of food and even become anorexic (refusing to eat at all). Because the loss of appetite is a sign of many canine diseases, owners should always seek professional help when this symptom is observed.
Puppies with coccidiosis can experience weight loss, often due to a combination of the parasites consuming valuable nutrients and a loss of appetite simultaneously. Weight loss can be a sign of serious health problems in growing puppies. Owners of young puppies should monitor their puppy's weight gain during the first year of life under a veterinarian's supervision to detect any abnormalities.
Diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite can all lead to dehydrated puppies, especially when the puppy does not replenish their body by drinking water. Your veterinarian will likely put your puppy on IV fluids during treatment.
Puppies contract coccidia by eating infective oocysts (immature coccidia) that have been deposited in the environment. This leads to coccidiosis. The following causes can occur:
- Ingesting contaminated food or water: Food and water that has been contaminated by coccidia parasites can lead to infection in a puppy when consumed. Living in animal shelters, pet stores, or any other environments in which food and water can become cross-contaminated makes puppies at higher risk for coccidiosis.
- Ingesting contaminated feces: While it may seem strange to humans, it's not uncommon for puppies and dogs to eat feces. If your puppy consumes feces from another animal that has been infected with coccidia, it will contract the parasite, leading to an infection in its intestines.
- Ingesting contaminated animals: Like feces, some puppies and dogs are also inclined to eat animals. Often, this includes small mammals like rodents.
- Reinfection: Even after your dog heals from a coccidia infection, it can easily become reinfected if its environment is not sterilized. Oocysts can remain viable in the soil for long periods of time. Your dog may be treated for coccidia, then return to their contaminated environment where they once again become infected.
If your puppy exhibits signs of coccidiosis like diarrhea and vomiting, weight loss, loss of appetite, or dehydration, it's essential to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. These symptoms can be indicators of coccidiosis or other health problems. Parasitic infections can become serious, and even life-threatening, so prompt diagnosis and proper treatment are key.
During diagnosis, your veterinarian will look for coccidia oocysts (tiny eggs) during a microscopic examination of a stool sample. This includes a fecal flotation test that allows your vet to evaluate whether oocysts are present. A blood test may also be recommended, although this is typically used to identify less common parasites.
Puppies are usually prescribed an anti-parasitic medication such as sulfadimethoxine to help eliminate coccidia, but prolonged treatment may be necessary. Other medications are also available for dogs that do not respond to sulfadimethoxine. Severe cases may demand hospitalization to counter dehydration with fluid therapy and for other treatments, and anti-parasitic medications typically take up to 25 days to be effective. In addition to treating your dog for coccidiosis, the entire home will need to be treated either with one cup of chlorine bleach diluted in water (recommended) or with a steam cleaner for other surfaces.
Puppies with coccidiosis can typically recover within four weeks, although continued treatments may be recommended by your veterinarian if the infection is not removed completely. Mild cases can often be resolved in less time. However, it's important to clearly follow your veterinarian's instructions—both for treating your dog and your house—to increase your puppy's chances of recovery.
Severe infections can be life-threatening, so owners should be vigilant in the sanitation process at home. Along with cleaning the interior of your house, it's necessary to thoroughly remove all feces from your backyard or the puppy's outdoor area to prevent reinfestation. Water bowls, food bowls, bedding, crates, and any other surfaces your puppy comes into contact with should be sanitized regularly. Because this condition can be serious when not properly treated, the prognosis for your specific puppy will depend on the degree of treatment provided along with your veterinarian's insight based on the puppy's medical condition.
Sanitation is the single most important prevention tool for coccidiosis. Environmental control is vital, particularly in kennels or other environments where large numbers of dogs are housed. Remove feces promptly from the yard or kennel and use appropriate cleaners in areas the dogs frequent. Coccidia is resistant to some common disinfectants, but diluted chlorine bleach is usually effective. Be sure to disinfect runs, cages, and food bowls every day to destroy infective organisms.
While there are some species of coccidia that can spread to humans, Isospora is not known to cause any human health problems. This means that in most cases, the coccidia that infects your dog cannot spread to you, your family, or even other animals in the household like cats. Coccidia parasites are host-specific and infect one species (which varies based upon the type of coccidia that is observed).
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.