[Lara's mom]

Barb: Not exactly sure what it's all about. I was out with the girls when the Dr. called. He said to come and pick up some medicine for her. So, we had a bite to eat and off we went to the vet. We left Lara at home because it's really cold here today and I just didn't feel like fighting her into her winter clothing. We got there only to find that everyone who knows anything is in an emergency surgery and the Dr. didn't have time to get the medication ready before whatever the emergency is, happened. So, I'll call later on in the afternoon and hopefully will be able to go back and pick it up then.

I don't know much about this new thing except that apparently, it is some kind of parasite. How in the name of the Goddess did she get a parasite in the first place? She takes preventative medicine for that!!! I won't know if Lara is liable to get it too until I can actually speak to the Dr. They share toys and cheweys so, it is certainly possible. Just what I need: Two sick dogs!!!

I don't know the first thing about probiotics. I got a sample of something called "OptaGest" which says it is a probiotic and enzyme blend...Is that what you mean?

And, just to top everything off, I woke up with a head cold this morning. Good thing my balcony is netted in or I'd be tempted to toss myself over it!!!

[CorkyMax]

I will give you some links a little later here---I have to call my mother (92 yrs old) who lives in Mineral Point--13 miles from me----I just heard on the noon news on tv that there has been e-coli found in the drinking water in Mineral Point and they have to boil their water, etc. Don't get me wrong--at 92, my mother is prob. healthier then I am and she is not senile or anything--but I just want to make sure she knows about it and what to do AND not do! I just wanted to tell you now, before you see or talk to your vet that you should ask your vet for probiotic capsules if your Bailey and the rest of your pet family are put on antibiotics! And human yogurt will not do the job!!

Be back in a bit with more info. Lol, every time I talk to my mother on the phone ---It is bound to be at least an hour!

[CorkyMax]

Did you see the vet yet? Here are some links for you to check out-->
Giardia In Dogs - Guide On Giardia In Dogs - Canine Giardia Information

OptaGest is a digestive aid--not a probiotic. Here is a link that has a heading in red near bottom of this long article--the last heading ---that tells you about probiotics. I figure the best way to go is getting some capsules from your vet--or whatever your vet has for probiotics--My vet gives capsules.
Dr. Shawn's Articles - Cat and Dog Diarrhea - Using Natural Therapies

I am a little leery of sites advertising products but there seems to be some info here so use at your own discretion!: Dog Diarreha, Vomiting and Weight Loss | Giardia Protozoa in your Dog | GREATDANELADY.COM

And here is another site: Parasitic Diarrhea (Giardiasis) in Dogs | petMD

I don't know if vitamin B is lost through the diarrhea or not---It is in frequent urination ---- You might check on that with your vet also. Vitamin B (B-complex) is an important vitamin to have in the system!

You can put OptaGest dogs in your browser if you want to check out the details on it---I don't think it is the answer for a good probiotic!

And for more info on giardia--Just put giardia dogs in your browser----A lot of sites given that I didn't check out.