Hey DUG, giardia is pretty common out here for dogs. I worked with a kennel in Riverside that didn't even use tap water for their dogs. I thought that was a little overboard, as the water out here shouldn't (and doesn't) carry giardia. I just change my dogs water everyday.
Dogs can get it if they find dirty, contaminated or stagnant water along the trail or even gutters, etc.
A couple of moths ago, my friend had giardia go through both his dogs, so either they found the same source of water or they passed it through contact. Your vet will get it stopped fast. If you want any info on what you need to look out for here in the Temecula Valley, take a cruise over to AFV, Animal Friends of the Valley in Wildomar. They have tons of info, flyers, etc. If you're in a new home, you should make sure your dogs are chipped for identification and keep them inside at night as we have lots of Coyotes out here who love tasty treats like small dogs and puppies.
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