Giardia in the rug: how long do they survive and what can pet owners do?

Giardia are intestinal parasites that affect both people and animals, and often lead to digestive problems such as diarrhoea and vomiting. As a pet owner you worry not only about your dog's or cat's health but also about the cleanliness of your home – the rugs in particular. If your pet is infected with giardia, it is important to know how long these parasites can survive in rugs and what you can do to get rid of them effectively.

How long giardia survive depends heavily on the conditions in the home.
In a damp, cool environment, giardia cysts can survive for up to eight weeks.
Moisture gives the parasites an ideal breeding ground, so they can thrive in rugs, furniture and other textiles.

In a dry, warm environment, by contrast, giardia have much poorer chances of survival and often die off after only a few days.
A well-ventilated, dry home is therefore less prone to a long-term spread of the parasites.
If the home is damp, though, or the rug stays wet for a longer period, giardia can survive in it for several weeks and pose a risk of reinfection.

Dogs and cats catch giardia when they come into contact with contaminated surfaces or pick up cysts from infected faeces.
This can happen on walks outdoors, in the park, or at home, when the infected animal spreads the parasites through the house.
Giardia can also be passed on in the following ways:

• Licking contaminated surfaces
• Drinking contaminated water (from puddles or lakes, for example)
• Sharing toys or food bowls with an infected animal
  

If you find that your pet has giardia, you should take the following measures
to remove the parasites from your rug and keep your home clean:

1. Thorough cleaning
First vacuum the rug thoroughly, to remove loose dirt, hair and dust. That reduces the amount of soiling before you start the deep clean. Vacuum frequently while your pet is being treated, to prevent further spread.

2. Hot-water cleaning
Giardia cysts are resistant to many disinfectants but sensitive to heat. Cleaning the rug with a steam cleaner (hot-water extraction) is one of the most effective ways to kill giardia. The steam cleaner should reach a temperature of at least 70°C to kill the parasites completely.

3. Disinfection
Use a pet-friendly disinfectant that is effective against giardia. Products containing quaternary ammonium compounds, or a bleach solution (for hard surfaces), can kill giardia. Make sure, though, that the disinfectant is suitable for rugs and will not attack the material. Always test a small area of the rug first.

4. Drying
After cleaning, let the rug dry completely, since giardia can survive in a damp environment. Use fans or a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process. The faster the rug dries, the lower the parasites' chance of survival.

5. Washing your pet frequently
During and after treatment you should bathe your pet regularly, to minimise the risk of reinfection. Wash your pet's bedding and toys in hot water too, to kill any giardia cysts that remain.

Once you have cleaned your rug, you should take preventive measures to avoid future infections.
Here are some steps you can take:

• Clean regularly: Vacuum and clean the rug and the areas where your pet spends its time.
• Wash your pet's things often: Wash your pet's bedding and toys regularly in hot water with a suitable disinfectant.
• Avoid puddles and standing water: Do not let your pet drink from puddles or ponds, where giardia often lurk.
• Keep up hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with your pets or their waste.
  

Giardia can survive in rugs for up to several weeks, but with thorough cleaning and care you can eliminate the parasites effectively.
With heat, disinfectants and good hygiene you can keep your home giardia-free and protect yourself and your pets from reinfection.
Regular cleaning and a clean environment for your pet help to minimise the risk of a repeat infestation and make for a healthy home for everyone.