Giardia & Coccidia in Puppies:
Common Parasites Every Owner Should Understand
Giardia and Coccidia are two of the most common intestinal parasites found in puppies. They are naturally present in the environment, easily contracted, and often flare up during normal life transitions such as moving to a new home. This page explains how puppies are exposed, what symptoms to watch for, why flare-ups happen after go-home, and what responsible breeders and owners should expect—clearly, honestly, and without fear-based language.
Important Health & Support Information
All puppies leave our care with:
A veterinary examination
Normal stool at time of departure
Strict, routine deworming protocols
Vaccinations appropriate for age
Full documentation of care
Because Giardia and Coccidia are environmental and commonly contracted after go-home, they are not included in the Health Guarantee once a puppy leaves our care.
However, we stand behind our puppies and our families.
If your puppy tests positive for Giardia or Coccidia after go-home, we will contribute up to $100 toward prescribed medication with veterinary documentation.
These parasites are common, treatable, and part of raising puppies—even when everything is done right.
Prevention Starts Before Symptoms
Giardia and coccidia are common intestinal parasites that exist naturally in the environment. While they are treatable, prevention and early monitoring play a critical role in reducing flare-ups—especially in young puppies with developing immune systems.
Our program follows intentional health and disease-prevention protocols designed to reduce environmental exposure, manage stress, and support immune health before puppies ever go home.
Coccidia is common. It is treatable. It does not mean your puppy was unhealthy or improperly cared for. It is part of raising puppies and something most owners will encounter at least once.
Giardia & Coccidia
Giardia and Coccidia are common intestinal parasites in puppies and are found naturally in the environment. Puppies can be exposed in everyday ways, and symptoms often appear after go-home due to normal stress, routine changes, or immune system fluctuations. These parasites are treatable, manageable, and not a reflection of poor breeding or poor care.
Important Health & Support Information
All puppies leave our care with:
Veterinary examination
Normal stool at time of departure
Strict, routine deworming protocols
Age-appropriate vaccinations
Full documentation of care
Because Giardia and Coccidia are environmental and commonly contracted after go-home, they are not included in the Health Guarantee once a puppy leaves our care.
If your puppy tests positive after go-home, we will contribute up to $100 toward prescribed medication with veterinary documentation.
FAQ
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Giardia is a microscopic intestinal parasite that lives in the digestive tract. It is extremely common in puppies and can be picked up from the environment in everyday ways. Many puppies carry Giardia without symptoms, and others may show soft stool or mild digestive upset, especially during times of stress or change.
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Coccidia is another common microscopic parasite found in the intestinal lining, especially in young puppies. It often lives quietly without symptoms and may flare up when a puppy’s immune system is temporarily stressed. Coccidia is treatable and commonly seen in puppies nationwide.
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Puppies can contract Giardia or Coccidia from food and water bowls, grass, soil, standing water, shoes brought indoors, hands after being outside, toys, bedding, wildlife in the yard, or normal household environments. A puppy does not need to go anywhere public to be exposed.
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Both Giardia and Coccidia can live dormant in the intestinal lining. Normal life transitions such as moving to a new home, changing food, vaccinations, growth spurts, teething, or routine changes can temporarily suppress the immune system and allow these parasites to flare up.
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Symptoms may include soft stool or diarrhea, mucus in stool, occasional vomiting, gas, or mild tummy upset. Some puppies show no symptoms at all and test positive during routine fecal exams.
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In healthy puppies, these parasites are rarely dangerous and respond well to treatment. Prompt veterinary care ensures a smooth recovery in most cases.
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Not typically. These parasites are common, treatable, and manageable. With veterinary guidance, most puppies recover quickly and continue to thrive.
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No. Giardia and Coccidia are common across all environments, including reputable breeding programs, rescues, shelters, veterinary clinics, and private homes. Their presence does not reflect poor care or poor breeding practices.
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No. Because these parasites are environmental, commonly contracted after go-home, and outside of the breeder’s control, they are not included in the Health Guarantee once a puppy leaves our care.
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No. Even with excellent sanitation and strict protocols, exposure can still occur. These parasites are part of the environment and cannot be eliminated entirely.
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If your puppy tests positive for Giardia or Coccidia after go-home, we will contribute up to $100 toward prescribed medication with veterinary documentation.
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No. Even with excellent sanitation and strict protocols, exposure can still occur. These parasites are part of the environment and cannot be eliminated entirely.
What This Means for You as a Puppy Owner
Giardia and Coccidia are common and manageable
Exposure can happen anywhere, even at home
Flare-ups after go-home are normal and not preventable
These parasites are not a sign of poor health or poor care
Prompt treatment leads to excellent outcomes
Education and realistic expectations matter more than blame
Our Commitment to Transparency & Support
We believe responsible breeding includes honest education and realistic expectations. While common intestinal parasites are outside of our control once puppies leave our care, we remain committed to supporting our puppy families.
If your puppy tests positive for Giardia or Coccidia after go-home, we will contribute up to $100 toward prescribed medication with veterinary documentation. Our goal is to support healthy, confident puppies and informed, empowered owners.
Raising puppies comes with real-world biology. When expectations are clear and education is shared, puppies and families thrive.
The information on this page is provided to educate puppy buyers and set clear expectations regarding common intestinal parasites in puppies.
Acknowledgment of this information, including exposure risks, post–go-home flare-ups, and health guarantee limitations related to Giardia and Coccidia, is included in the final purchase contract.
Staying Connected
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"Responsible Breeding Protects Generations."
We test today to improve the lines of tomorrow—this is breeding with purpose.
Sneak Peeks from Our Journal
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) for Puppies
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) is a proven method used by top breeders to give puppies a healthy head start in life. Performed between days 3–16, ENS includes five simple exercises — toe tickling, head up, head down, on back, and gentle cold touch — to boost brain development, strengthen the heart, improve stress tolerance, and support lifelong health.
From Our Journal: Life on the Farm
There’s nothing quite like mornings with our Goldendoodle puppies—sunrise, wagging tails, and coffee in hand. If you’re searching for Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Boise, Idaho or wondering if there are Goldendoodle puppies for sale near me, you’re in the right place. These pups are raised with love, structure, and a whole lot of heart.
Let’s be honest—dog hair on your black pants, your couch, your car, and (somehow) in your coffee? Not ideal. Whether you’re navigating allergies, asthma, or just really into clean furniture, finding a non-shedding dog breed can feel like searching for a unicorn. The good news? That unicorn exists… and it comes with a tail and a wagging butt.
At Boise Doodle Co., we specialize in ethically bred, low-to-non-shedding breeds that fit beautifully into family life—and don’t leave your house looking like a lint roller exploded. Let’s dig into your best options.
I Have Questions!
Have Questions, Concerns? Great! We love to chat. Please note if you are looking to fill out the puppy application or read the breeders contract click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Every Boise Doodle puppy is introduced to a crate/kennel routine before going home. This makes crate training easier, helps with potty training (dogs don’t potty where they sleep), and provides your puppy a safe den space.
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We recommend premium tools that match your doodle’s coat and lifestyle:
Pawtree Puppy Food (Turkey & Sweet Potato, White Fish & Brown Rice)
Chris Christensen Slicker & Pin Brushes
Cowboy Magic shampoo/conditioner
Puppy play pen, bully sticks, chew toys, collar, leash, bowls
Tip: We’ll send you a starter potty tray and first week of food with your placement.
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We feed Pawtree premium food (Turkey & Sweet Potato; White Fish & Brown Rice). It’s made in the USA, reduces gas, improves digestion, and keeps ears healthy. Puppies are fed twice daily in our home, and we recommend you continue this diet to maintain our Boise Doodle Health Guarantee
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All puppies are trained to understand nighttime is for rest, not play. We remove food after 6:00 pm and water after 7:00 pm, which helps with potty training. Puppies are crated with comfort items (blanket with mom’s scent) to reinforce calm, quiet nights.
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Yes. Boise Doodle Company offers concierge delivery nationwide. Most families choose airport delivery for $850, which includes flight nanny services and a hand-off at your nearest major airport. We also offer ground delivery options in select regions. Every delivery is designed to be stress-free and safe for your puppy, ensuring a smooth transition into your home.
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All Boise Doodle puppies are sold on a strict spay/neuter contract, unless full breeding rights are purchased separately. Each placement also comes with our health guarantee, supported by veterinary records and a 30-day free Trupanion insurance policy. These agreements protect both your new family member and the integrity of our breeding program, ensuring long-term health and wellbeing.
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Good Dog is a trusted platform that provides an extra layer of security and financing options for buyers. Boise Doodle Company lists select litters on Good Dog, and families can check out through their platform using Klarna monthly payments. Please note: if your initial conversation and application begins on Good Dog, their rules require that we finish the purchase there. If you apply directly on our website, you’ll bypass Good Dog’s fees while still receiving the same Boise Doodle health guarantee.
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To reserve your puppy, we require a $1,000 non-refundable deposit (or 50% if the puppy is under 8 weeks old). For puppies over 8 weeks, the full purchase price plus Idaho sales tax is due to secure your spot. Deposits can be paid via Stripe on our website or through Good Dog checkout if you’d like to use Klarna financing. Once reserved, your puppy is officially held for your family.
We’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.
Ethical, Health-Tested Puppies & Honest Guidance—Every Step of the Way
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Ethical, intentional breeder (say it plainly)
Idaho-based, home-raised, family-run
Fully health-tested parents (name the tests once)
Not a puppy mill, not a broker, not a hobby gone sideways
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Health testing first (not optional, not trendy)
Temperament + lifestyle matching
Structured puppy raising (ENS, ESI, Puppy Culture)
Transparency, education, and lifetime support
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Families who value health and temperament
People who want education, not impulse buying
First-time dog owners who want support
Experienced owners who want quality over shortcuts
And yes — it’s okay if someone reads this and realizes,
“Hmm… maybe not us.”
That’s a win.
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