07/01/2026
✨️SHARING✨️
Today I wanted to talk about something that isn’t glamorous, but it’s a very real part of raising puppies. Worms, coccidia, and giardia.
As responsible breeders, most of us deworm our puppies at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age. We also deworm our moms because puppies can be born with roundworms that are passed from their mother before they’re even born or while they’re nursing.
The frustrating part is that it’s an endless cycle. Mama dogs naturally clean up after their puppies by eating their stool. Puppies explore the world with their mouths. No matter how clean we keep everything, reinfection can happen.
Believe me, no breeder wants their puppies to have worms. We do everything we can to prevent them because sending home a healthy puppy is always the goal. If you happen to see worms after your puppy has been dewormed, it often means the medication is working and the worms are being expelled. It does not necessarily mean the treatment failed. It usually means it is important to continue the deworming schedule your veterinarian recommends.
Now let’s talk about coccidia and giardia.
These are microscopic parasites that can be incredibly frustrating because they are commonly found in the environment.
Coccidia can sometimes be present without causing any signs, but the stress of going to a new home, changes in routine, or a developing immune system can allow it to multiply and cause diarrhea.
Giardia is spread through contaminated f***s, water, or surfaces. It can survive in the environment, which is why it can be so difficult to completely eliminate, even when you are constantly cleaning and disinfecting.
As breeders, we scrub floors, wash bedding, disinfect bowls, sanitize toys, and clean puppy areas every single day. We do not ignore these things. We fight them.
That is also why my puppies visit the veterinarian around 7 weeks of age, where they receive a physical exam and a f***l test before going home. Even with a negative f***l, that does not guarantee something will not show up a week later. Parasites have life cycles, and sometimes they simply are not detectable yet or a puppy becomes exposed after the test.
One thing I wish more puppy buyers understood is that finding worms, coccidia, or giardia does not automatically mean a breeder was dirty or did not care. Sometimes it is simply part of raising young puppies. What matters is whether the breeder is proactive about prevention, treatment, veterinary care, and being honest with their puppy families.
At the end of the day, we all want the same thing. Healthy, happy puppies. I will continue doing everything I can to give my puppies the best possible start, and I encourage every family to establish care with their veterinarian, continue the recommended deworming schedule, and reach out if they have any concerns. We are a team, and I will always do my best to help. ❤️🐾
✨️CREDIT: DO NOT REMOVE ⬇️
Originally Posted by: Cherished Dachshunds
