Spring: Is your K9 ready on the inside?
Here in the CO Mountains your K9 may need to be on a year round heart worm plan. It is important to visit your veterinarian and be certain that your K9 is up to date with medications and vaccinations.
A vaccine for giardia is not on the necessary list, but studies show that 5% to 10% of all dogs in North America have giardia at any given time. Rates of infection are higher in younger dogs with 12% of dogs under age 6 months testing positive for the disease. Giardia can cause diarrhea leading to severe dehydration, lethargy, fever, and soreness. Left untreated paralysis, nerve damage, and joint damage can occur.
You should take into consideration the likelihood of coming into contact with giardia spores. If your dog is going to be around a lot of other dogs or potentially contaminated waterways (dirty rivers, streams and creeks) you might want to consider getting them vaccinated. Anytime you travel with your K9 it is a good idea to research the area and make sure no other vaccines are recommended by your vet, such as for Lyme disease caused by infected ticks, Kennel Cough, and possibly even Leptospirosis caused by contaminated standing water form wildlife.