Real Talk: Giardia, Coccidia & the Vet Tech Panic Spiral
Let’s just call it like it is- some vet techs make a positive Giardia test sound like the damn plague. But here’s what’s actually happening, and why you don’t need to lose your mind (or your entire checking account) over it.
🚨 The Fear vs The Facts
We’re not minimizing the risk. Sure, Giardia and Coccidia can be problematic if left untreated in a sick puppy.
But for a healthy, bouncy, eating, pooping-normal puppy?
This is not a 2020 COVID-level situation. It’s more like 2024 COVID – common, manageable, and sometimes just a false positive on a test that isn’t even always read correctly.
💩 But My Vet Said…
We know. You go to the vet with your brand-new english labrador retriever puppy for sale and you’re told there’s a “positive result.” The word “Giardia” is spoken, and next thing you know, there’s a prescription, a follow-up, a $120 bill, and that little voice in your head whispering:
“Am I already failing at this puppy parent thing?”
You’re not. You’re being a great advocate. And here’s the reality:
✋ Stop. Assess. Ask These Questions First:
✅ Is your puppy eating well?
✅ Is your puppy playful and alert?
✅ Are the poops normal or trending back to solid after transition?
✅ Are there no signs of lethargy or dehydration?
If you answered yes, you’re likely in the clear. Many pups shed harmless remnants of parasites (especially Giardia) even after treatment. That doesn’t mean it’s an active infection. It means the test caught something that’s already handled.
💸 The Vet Vortex: What They Might Not Say
We’ve seen it play out like this:
- Puppy has solid poops.
- Routine fecal shows Giardia.
- Puppy already had a 5-day course of Fenbendazole at 7 weeks (our standard).
- Vet prescribes meds anyway: $50+
- Meds cause loose stool (thanks?).
- Vet wants a recheck in 2 weeks: $60 visit+$50 Recheck
- You’re now $150+ in, with a healthy puppy who just needed time.
Sound familiar? It’s the same as when you’re mostly fine but go to the doctor anyway and they say, “Yup, you’re good, stay hydrated.” You still pay the copay.
🧠 Use Your Best Judgment
We’re not saying ignore your vet. But evaluate your puppy, not just the paper.
✔ We deworm.
✔ We proactively treat with Fenbendazole.
✔ We send home clean, healthy English Labrador puppies for sale.
✔ We do not send home projects.
The best thing you can do? Watch your puppy.
You know them better than anyone. If something shifts, act. If they’re thriving? Breathe.
TL;DR:
- Giardia ≠ emergency
- Coccidia ≠ uncommon
- Poop test ≠ always accurate
- Solid poop + normal behavior = monitor, don’t panic
- Vet check-ins are great – but not every one needs a $100 follow-up unless symptoms are present
Final Word
We’re here to give you the truth-not fear. And the truth is: puppies are resilient.
You’re doing great. You’ve got this. And if you’re ever unsure, ask us. We’ve walked this path more times than we can count and we’re always here to walk it with you– whether you’re searching for lab puppies for sale or bringing home your new best friend.
Weeks 1–3
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