How long should I treat coccidia in dogs? Diagnosis, treatment and prevention explained by a veterinarian

By SecretWuff 6 Min Read

Information is based on the latest veterinary research.

learn more ”

My puppy is vomiting and has diarrhea, so I schedule a visit to the veterinarian. After a physical exam, your veterinarian will recommend an intestinal parasite test. After waiting patiently, you will get the result that your puppy is infected with coccidia. What is this intestinal parasite? How can I get rid of it?

To answer your main question, a typical treatment for coccidia takes about 5 to 10 days.

PGV divider 1

How long should I treat coccidiosis in dogs?

The first thing to understand is that not all cases of coccidia need to be treated. Most healthy dogs and cats will clear up the infection on their own over several weeks.

If your puppy shows signs of coccidia, such as vomiting or diarrhea, your veterinarian will usually recommend treatment for coccidia. Typical treatment duration is 5 to 10 days. Your veterinarian may also suggest treatment if your dog has a weakened immune system or if a fecal test shows high levels of the parasite.

Sick dog in veterinary clinic
Image credit: AnnaStills, Shutterstock

What is coccidia?

Several species of coccidia exist, and they tend to be species-specific. For example, cats can be infected with Isospora felis and dogs can be infected with Isospora canis. Although veterinary teams may occasionally discover Eimeria, this coccidia species is not pathogenic or disease-causing in dogs or cats.

Coccidia are intestinal protozoa that affect the intestinal tract. These usually cause disease in young animals with weakened immune systems. Owners usually experience diarrhea, but may also experience vomiting, lethargy, weight loss, and dehydration.

PGV divider 1

Diagnosis of coccidia

To diagnose coccidia in dogs, your veterinarian will need to perform a fecal test. The most common method of performing this test is stool flotation, which usually involves centrifuging a stool sample in a specific solution.

The veterinary team then leaves the solution alone and the parasite eggs or oocysts rise to the surface. Veterinarians can use microscope slides to visualize the eggs and diagnose the presence of parasites.

When should I retest my dog ​​for coccidiosis?

To ensure that your dog’s coccidial infection has cleared, your veterinarian should retest a fresh stool sample at least 1 to 2 weeks after the initial treatment. Based on these results, your dog may need a second treatment.

Veterinarian petting a noble golden retriever dog
Image credit: Gorodenkoff, Shutterstock

PGV divider 1

Prevention of coccidiosis in dogs

Coccidia is largely preventable. If you regularly pick up your dog’s stool, the chances of your puppy getting reinfected with coccidia are greatly reduced. If you bring home a new pet, have it fecal tested and seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Avoid dog parks and other high-traffic areas to reduce your dog’s exposure to intestinal parasites. If you must bring your dog with you, please ensure the facility is thoroughly disinfected between pets.

To prevent reinfection, bathe your dog after treatment and remove any oocysts from the coat, especially around the rear end, tail, and paws.

Treatment options for coccidia

In the United States, sulfadimethoxine is the only drug approved by the FDA to treat coccidial infections. The drug is sold in liquid and tablet form under the brand Albon. Although Albon is highly effective as a coccidial inhibitor, other options such as ponazuril can also be used off-label for coccidial infections.

Some pets infected with coccidia may have severe symptoms at the time of diagnosis, especially if they have been vomiting or having diarrhea for an extended period of time. Your veterinarian may recommend supportive care, such as anti-nausea medications and fluid therapy.

Side effects of Albon during coccidia treatment

Gastrointestinal symptoms are the most common side effects in dogs receiving Albon.

These side effects include:

  • loss of appetite
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea

Medications can be given with or without food, but if your dog experiences any of these gastrointestinal symptoms on an empty stomach, consider giving the medication with food.

Sulfadimethoxine is a sulfa antibiotic. This can reduce your dog’s tear production and cause dry eyes. In most dogs, tear production returns to normal soon after sulfadimethoxine is discontinued, but this condition may persist for life.

Less common, but potentially serious side effects include:

  • Blood cell problems that cause an imbalance in the number of red or white blood cells
  • joint inflammation
  • rash

Some breeds appear to be at greater risk of susceptibility to sulfadimethoxine.

PGV divider 1

conclusion

If your dog has diarrhea or vomiting, your veterinarian should perform a fecal parasite test. If coccidia is detected, your veterinarian will usually prescribe sulfadimethoxine or a similar drug. Treatment for dogs typically lasts 5 to 10 days.


Featured image credit: Iryna Imago, Shutterstock

Share This Article
Leave a comment