What is Giardia?

Giardia is the most common waterborne parasite in North America. Virtually all mammals, including cats, dogs and humans, are susceptible to Giardia infection. Surface water contaminated by the fecal material of infected wildlife, birds and livestock is thought to be the primary breeding ground of this organism, which is very resistant to cold temperatures. Giardia can infect your pet when it drinks from contaminated puddles, ponds, ditches or streams.