Coccidia in Puppies

The Effect of Coccidia in Puppies

Coccidia are single-celled organisms that are parasites that primarily infect cats and dogs. Although there are a lot of different kinds of these parasites, only six can actually infect dogs. These parasites live almost entirely and exclusively in the intestinal tract of the animal that is its host. The infection that these organisms cause is called coccidiosis. One thing that we humans have to be thankful for is that the most common form of this infection is not transmittable to us humans. There are a few rare infections from different Coccidia that can cause serious harm to us once we are infected. One concern that many dog owners do have is Coccidia in puppies. Puppies tend to be weaker than adult dogs when it comes to their immune system, especially when they have been weaned early from their mother. Mother’s milk, even with dogs, is still best for puppies because it boosts the small dogs immune system and make them stronger.

The Cycle of Coccidia

These parasites have a life cycle of their own which basically starts when oocysts (sort of like eggs) of the Coccidia is excreted out with the dog’s feces. Despite being so small, these are quite hardy and can survive being on the ground for several weeks or even months. While the oocysts are outside a host’s body, they transform into an active, infective form under the right conditions. When a dog ingests them, they can then invade the linings of the intestinal tract of their new host and the cycle is repeated. In many cases, fecal matter of infected dogs may get caught in another dog’s fur and the said dog will be cleaning himself, which in turn introduces the parasites to the intestinal tract. 

Symptoms of Coccidiosis

Because these parasites live their entire lives mostly in the intestinal tract, it follows that the manifestation of their presence should come from this system. The symptoms that you should look out for, if you suspect there is a chance of your dog being infected, include, but are not limited to, stool that looks like it has goo in it, the puppy is weak and eventually bloody, watery stool that the puppy cannot hold in. A lot of puppies succumb to the devastating effect of the infection and might not make it. Most adult dogs also exhibit similar symptoms if they are infected but they are usually better equipped to meet the demands of the infection in their bodies. On the other hand, some dogs fare are just the host of Coccidia and do not exhibit any symptoms and will not even succumb to an infection. 

Treatment

Before any treatment can be used, the dog’s feces needs to be examined to see what kind of parasite or bacteria is at work. Once the kind of Coccidia is identified, the correct treatment can be administered. In most cases of healthy adult dogs, an antibiotic is usually given for a specific span of day. For a few, a repeat of the treatment may be necessary if a follow up fecal exam shows that the parasite is still present in the feces or if the initial treatment did not work. The antibiotic used for treatment is a sulfa-type antibiotic and is readily available. The dosage of the antibiotic depends on the weight of the dog.

Coccidia in puppies and older, debilitated dogs will need to be treated with caution because of the weak immune system of the dogs involved. Prevention is always better than a cure so it is wise to keep the area where puppies or older dogs may frequent. Since puppies are not house trained for the first few months of their lives, it is a good idea to clean the place where they stay frequently. Animals waste should be cleaned as soon as possible and the area should be cleaned with a mixture of chlorine bleach and water. The suggested portion of bleach is 250ml to a gallon of clean water. Another way to prevent this infection from spreading to other dogs is to test pregnant dogs before they give birth as well as to test puppies before they are taken home.

Since dogs can be infected by the parasites randomly and repeatedly, it is important to regularly check your four-legged friends’ feces. If you are aware of an infected puppy, it is also a good idea to give notice to the breeder so he can take the necessary actions to protect the other dogs as well as treat them. Coccidia in puppies can spread faster than with adult dogs because puppies are usually sold or given away. They are also not house trained yet and will deposit their waste anywhere in the house or outdoors where other animals might chance upon it. Infected dogs should be isolated and regularly have their cages or kennel cleaned and disinfected with the bleach solution.

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