September 21, 2011
I began feeding my dog raw food last April. I'm wondering if you think there is a connection between raw food and recurrent giardia?
Full Question:
Hello Cindy,I began feeding my dog raw food last April, in large part because of the wonderful information I found on the Leerburg website. The FAQ's are SO helpful and really convinced me it is the right way to feed my dog. So, thank you for all that information!
I'm writing to you to ask if you think raw food could have some connection to recurrent giardia. My 17 month old American Bulldog has giardia for the 3rd time in 2 months. The vet prescribes Metronidazole and Panacur, which clear it up (at least for about 2 weeks). The vet also encourages me to feed only boiled chicken and white rice until the diarrhea clears up; however, I've chosen instead to feed raw bone-in chicken breast with visible fat and skin removed. After several days of just that, I'll try a chicken leg quarter, again with skin and fat removed. I keep her on chicken for at least a week before trying to give her beef or lamb.
I'm so worried about my girl, because the last time she was sick she lost at least 5 lbs (when healthy, she's just under 70 lbs). Any suggestions / opinions you could share would be so appreciated!
Thank you,
Shane
Cindy's Answer:
Are you sure it’s giardia and not a food sensitivity or some other issue? Sometimes vets will diagnose and treat something as giardia when it’s actually NOT giardia but some non-specific digestive issue. Since metronidazole & panacur will stop the SYMPTOMS of diarrhea, some allopathic vets use it as a blanket treatment for diarrhea (which I don’t really agree with). I also wouldn’t be switching the diet in a dog with digestive issues after only a few days. I’d find something that works for the dog and stay with it for weeks and weeks to get the dog stable before adding any variety at all.
I don’t know your stance on vaccines, but if this dog has been vaccinated within the last few months, the digestive issues could be fall out from that.
If your dog is due for any vaccines, PLEASE do not allow the vet to give them. Vaccinating (or using flea spot on treatments) can push the dog’s immune system even farther over the edge.
Do you have any of the raw feeding books we offer?
The best books for learning about the raw diet are Raw Dog Food and Natural Nutrition for Dogs & Cats. We give both these books to our puppy customers and rarely have questions about the diet. One of the newer feeding books we offer is Raw & Natural Nutrition for Dogs. This title covers homemade cooked & raw diets complete with recipes. I highly recommend all these books.
You may also want to find a vet who is well versed in raw feeding and more holistic treatment. We have a vet list here. If you don’t find one in your area you can do a google search to (hopefully) find one close by.
Good luck with your dog!
Cindy Rhodes
I don’t know your stance on vaccines, but if this dog has been vaccinated within the last few months, the digestive issues could be fall out from that.
If your dog is due for any vaccines, PLEASE do not allow the vet to give them. Vaccinating (or using flea spot on treatments) can push the dog’s immune system even farther over the edge.
Do you have any of the raw feeding books we offer?
The best books for learning about the raw diet are Raw Dog Food and Natural Nutrition for Dogs & Cats. We give both these books to our puppy customers and rarely have questions about the diet. One of the newer feeding books we offer is Raw & Natural Nutrition for Dogs. This title covers homemade cooked & raw diets complete with recipes. I highly recommend all these books.
You may also want to find a vet who is well versed in raw feeding and more holistic treatment. We have a vet list here. If you don’t find one in your area you can do a google search to (hopefully) find one close by.
Good luck with your dog!
Cindy Rhodes
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