Giardia is a single-celled parasite that lives in your pet's intestine. It infects older dogs and cats, but more frequently infects puppies and kittens. Pets become infected when they swallow Giardia that may be present in water or other substances that have been soiled with feces.

Interestingly, many dogs infected with Giardia do not get any disease. Giardiasis, the disease caused by Giardia infection, usually results in diarrhea. Having giardiasis a long time can cause weight loss; generally poor condition; and even death, when the disease is serious. So getting pets checked out is important.

How do you prevent pets from getting Giardia?
The best way to prevent Giardia infection is to make sure that your pet has safe, clean drinking water. It is important not to allow pets to drink water from areas where other animals have left their feces.

To prevent spreading Giardia (and other parasites), pick up the feces left by your dog immediately and place it in the trash. Be sure to avoid contact with the feces by using gloves, a bag over your hand, or a scooping device.

Giardia is also a common cause of diarrhea in people, but dog and cat Giardia is not generally considered to spread from animals to humans. While human Giardia may infect dogs and cats and then be passed on to humans, the majority of human cases are of human origin.

References:
Causes of Giardia in Dogs, Dog Health Guide
·
The Companion Animal Parasite Council

Cat Giardia Cat Health Guide

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