Coccidia of the dog are not a zoonotic threat. Cryptosporidium is a tiny coccidia that is can be difficult to confirm on routine microscopic fecal exams. The organism infects man, cats and dogs. Puppies are primarily at risk. The disease produces voluminous watery diarrhea that varies with the severity of the organism and the health of the host.
Immunocompromised dogs are at severe risk.
In most dogs, the disease is usually asymptomatic or self limiting. Puppies are most likely to show signs. No treatment is available for eliminating the organism although coccidiastats have been used with questionable success. Antibiotics may have some effect. Treatment is primarily symptomatic to combat fluid loss.