What are the coccidia parasites?

Coccidia are tiny single-celled parasites that live in the wall of your dog’s intestine. They are found more often in puppies, but they can also infect older dogs and cats. Dogs become infected by swallowing soil that contains coccidia or other substances in the environment that may contain dog feces.

What are the symptoms of coccidia in humans?

Although infection usually does not give rise to symptoms, reports in the literature mention diarrhea, abdominal pain, lassitude and slight weight loss in association with coccidiosis.

How do humans get coccidia?

Human coccidiosis is caused primarily by Toxoplasma gondii, which often is transmitted to humans by infected cats or dogs and results in an illness known as toxoplasmosis.

How did my dog get coccidia?

Dogs can get coccidia by ingesting the oocyst (immature coccidia) from a contaminated environment, such as soil or feces that contains coccidia. Young puppies are more likely to become infected with coccidia when they are exposed to contaminated dog feces due to their underdeveloped immune system.

How do you get rid of coccidia?

The most common drug used to treat coccidiosis is a sulfa-class antibiotic, sulfadimethoxine. It is typically administered for 5-20 days. Some formulations of this medication are pleasant-tasting and most cats will readily accept them. If the sulfa drug is not effective, other treatments are available.

Can adults get coccidia?

Most coccidia can not spread to humans. The most common coccidia, I. felis poses no threat to owners. Infections of Toxoplasma or Cryptosporidium may present a small risk to pregnant women and any human who has a suppressed immune system.

What are the signs of coccidia in dogs?

“In puppies and debilitated adult dogs, coccidiosis may cause severe watery diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal distress, and vomiting.” However, in puppies and debilitated adult dogs, coccidiosis may cause severe watery diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal distress, and vomiting. In severe cases, death may occur.

What disinfectant kills coccidia?

Most disinfectants do not work well against coccidia; incineration of the feces, and steam cleaning, immersion in boiling water or a 10% ammonia solution are the best methods to kill coccidia.