🐾 Understanding Giardia and Other Common Bugs in Rescues
When you adopt a rescue dog, you might hear about things like Giardia, coccidia, or other parasites. At first, these words can sound scary — but the truth is, they’re very common and usually easy to treat.
Let’s break it down in a calm, friendly way so you know what to expect and how to help your new furry friend stay healthy.
🐶 Why Bugs Are More Common in Rescues
Rescues and shelters are full of amazing dogs and cats — many of whom have had rough starts. Some may have lived outside, in foster homes, or in situations where parasites are more likely to be present.
Add a busy environment, lots of animals, and shared spaces, and it’s easy to see why bugs like Giardia can appear. It doesn’t mean the dog is “dirty” or “unhealthy” — it just means they’ve been exposed and need a little extra care.
🦠 What Giardia Actually Is
Giardia is a tiny parasite that can live in a dog’s intestines. While it sounds scary, it’s usually treatable with medication from your vet. Most dogs recover completely, and with proper care, it rarely causes long-term problems.
Other common “bugs” like coccidia or roundworms are similar — common, treatable, and usually not serious if addressed promptly.
💡 How We Keep Dogs Healthy
Rescues and shelters work hard to keep animals healthy, using:
Routine veterinary check-ups and vaccinations
Regular deworming and parasite screenings
Clean living spaces and careful hygiene
Even so, a busy shelter is different from a home — exposure can happen, which is why new adopters sometimes hear about these bugs.
🏡 What You Can Do at Home
Bringing a rescue home is exciting, and with a few precautions, you can help your dog stay happy and healthy:
Schedule a vet check soon after adoption
Follow deworming or medication instructions carefully
Keep food and water bowls clean and fresh
Wash your hands after cleaning up after your dog
Remember, catching a parasite from a healthy, treated rescue is rare — and vets are very experienced in treating these issues safely.
❤️ The Takeaway
Parasites like Giardia might sound scary, but they’re common, treatable, and usually short-lived. They don’t define a dog, and they’re certainly not a reason to avoid adopting.
Rescue dogs are resilient, loving, and ready for their forever homes — and a little extra care now will help them thrive for years to come.
