Coccidia and Giardia are a group of protozoan parasites that are extremely common and which infect a wide number of animal species, including dogs, cats, horses, cattle, goats, sheep and chickens --- and many other species of animals, as well. Coccidia and Giardia are not a worm. They are a microscopic internal parasite (protozoan) common in warm, humid climates. Parasites can be stress-related. A puppy may have a negative fecal check result from a vet, appear perfectly fine, but show evidence of coccidia or giardia as soon as it goes to a new home. Albon & Flagyl are, the prescription medications for parasites. The medication doesn't actually kill them, it washes the puppy's digestive tract, taking the parasites with it. It's the puppy's own immune system that eventually will kill any remaining parasites. A young puppy's immune system is not fully developed, so it takes time for the puppy and it's immune system to mature. Veterinarians say that most adult dogs have parasites, but they also have the antibodies to fight and control it. A puppy with Coccidia/Giardia that is not well cared for and not treated with Albon or Flagyl will eventually develop watery diarrhea and can dehydrate. This is when parasites can become a serious condition - the parasites replicate unchecked, and the puppy can become very ill. The best example of parasites is when a human consumes water in another country AKA Montezuma's Revenge.
