Yes, dogs can absolutely get giardia from sharing water bowls, as communal bowls (at dog parks, kennels, etc.) are major hotspots for spreading the microscopic parasite, which is shed in infected feces and can contaminate water sources. A dog drinks contaminated water, licks contaminated surfaces, or even ingests cysts from feces left in or around the bowl, leading to infection.
Giardia can spread easily from one pet to another or through contaminated water, food, soil, surfaces, or objects.
Giardia is a single-celled parasite that dwells in the canine intestine. The infection this parasite causes is called Giardiasis. Dogs can become infected with Giardiasis if they swallow Giardia after drinking water that has been contaminated by another, infected dog's feces.
Giardia infection can spread through water, food and person-to-person contact. Giardia infections most often clear up within weeks. But you may have stomach problems long after the parasites are gone.
However, an infected dog does increase the risk of exposing other dogs in the household to Giardia, due to the presence of cysts. You can limit their risk by having them defecate in separate areas, by wiping the infected dog's butt after defecating and by preventing them from grooming each other.
The time it takes from ingestion of cysts to passage in feces is 5 to 12 days in dogs and 5 to 16 days in cats. sniffing the cysts from contaminated ground, or by drinking contaminated water."
Cleaning and disinfecting can help remove Giardia germs from a space where a person or pet was recently sick. Reduce the chances of getting sick, or your pet getting sick again, by cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and items. Always follow the directions on cleaning and disinfection product labels.
Giardia cysts have an outer shell that protects the parasite while outside of the body, making it hardy in the environment and on surfaces. The cysts can survive several months in cold water or soil, but are less persistent at warmer temperatures.
Common Sources of Infection
Standing water: Ponds, puddles, and streams often harbor giardia cysts. Dog parks or boarding facilities: Places where multiple dogs gather can increase exposure. Contaminated surfaces: Food bowls, toys, or bedding that come in contact with infected feces.
It is a common illness that causes diarrhea (loose stool/poop). The most common way people get sick with giardiasis is by swallowing contaminated water, but people can also get sick from contaminated food, surfaces, and objects.
It's possible for dogs drinking out of communal bowls or fountains to be infected with diseases or parasites. While contagious diseases in dogs are more commonly spread through coughing or sneezing, it's possible for dogs to be exposed to pathogens when communal water bowls are contaminated.
You may be wondering, 'Can I get Giardia from my dog licking me?' and while the risk is quite low, it is still possible and so the proper precautions should be taken. One of the easiest ways to do this is by washing your hands after you've handled your dog's poop, even if you weren't directly touching it.
Throughout my years in practice, I have encountered thousands of dogs with giardia and cannot recall a single instance of a person contracting it from their dog. That said, feel free to play with your dog, but remember to maintain good hygiene. Giardia cysts are found in stool and thrive in stagnant water.
Dogs with their fondness for sniffing each other's body parts are already exposed to faecal waste. However, if faecal bacteria get into the communal drinking bowl, intestinal pathogens such as roundworms and parvovirus could be easily spread from pet to pet.
Bacteria, yeasts, molds, and parasites have been recovered from water bowls. Studies have shown that the organisms present include those from feces, skin, and mouth. Many of these are known to be capable of causing infectious disease in our dogs – and in the people they live with.
Reported Giardia levels have ranged from 10,000 to 100,000 cysts/L in untreated sewage, 10 to 100 cysts/L in treated sewage, and 10 or few cysts/L in surface water sources and tap water. Cysts have also been detected in cisterns and in wells contaminated by surface water or sewage.
Dogs can become infected with giardia by drinking untreated water from lakes, rivers, and even from standing puddles and rainwater.
The leading cause of death in dogs, especially older dogs, is cancer (neoplasia), affecting about 1 in 4 dogs, similar to humans, with specific breeds at higher risk. Other significant causes include old age, heart disease, digestive disorders (like bloat), infectious diseases (like Parvo), and trauma, with sterilization influencing risks for cancer and infections.
Transmission is by the fecal-oral route from infected stool or contaminated water. After infection, it takes 5 to 12 days for dogs or 5 to 16 days for cats for Giardia to be found in the stool.
Giardia can be anywhere—in the soil, running through creeks, and lurking on your pet's favorite toy. The parasite can practically live forever in contaminated water sources like puddles, ponds, and streams.
For fungal pathogens, reliable decontamination can be achieved by laundering at 60°C, regardless of the textiles and detergents used. Temperatures of ≥56°C will kill 99% of Giardia cysts. The temperature needed for decontamination depends on washing time and detergent type.
Giardia can spread easily from one person to another or through water, food, surfaces, or objects. Giardia germs are in poop of people or animals who are infected, so anything that gets contaminated by human or animal poop can potentially spread the germs.
Giardia can be killed & inactivated using 2-5% Lysol or, a 1% chlorine bleach solution. Here is a list of common environmental areas & surfaces to clean: 1. Pet's hind end – bathing pets every day (or at least their hind end) will reduce the risk of re-infection.
While you can sleep with a dog that has Giardia, it's best to practice good hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly after contact and consider limiting close contact to reduce the risk of infection.
If your dog tests positive for giardia, your vet will likely prescribe medicine. While your dog is being treated for giardia he should not attend daycare or training, or go to the dog parks so that he does not continue to spread the parasite.