not again...first kennel cough and now a parasite - HELP, need reassurance!!!!

[lisa]

so our 8 week old puppy has been home 3 days.  came home from the breeder on aldon (?) because she got a call that another puppy from a different litter had a parasite.  ok, taking preventive measures on the medicine.  day 2 - kennel cough.  day 3 - vet called that stool tested positive for parasite.  is this dangerous to humans?  i have a 6 year old and am starting to freak.  we do wear shoes outside and have been picking up poop along the way.  but was does this mean??? is my puppies health compromised with all this stuff going on? 

[Adrianne Matzkin]

what kind of parasite? what is the treatment from the vet?
What did your breeder say?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

These certainly are key questions that need to be answered. In the meantime, I would say just keep washing your hands and be sure your 6 year old is doing the same. My guys have had parasites along the way, and were treated effectively, and we never had a problem. When the grandkids were here, I was a bit of a lunatic about washing their hands before anything went into their mouths. They have been fine as well.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Just keep smiling and washing. Tigger had Giardia (twice) when he was just little. I cleaned like a maniac, washed my hands constantly. All probably unnecessary - but it is a little freaky. Actually only a very few things transfer between humans and dogs. Maybe the parasite was the same one that you were already giving aldon for. Call your vet and see how worried you need to be about your 6 year old. It is extremely common for young puppies to have parasites. Just enjoy your puppy, call your vet, and wash your hands. Take care.

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

your breeder should be able to help you and possibly even pay for the treatments. Getting a sick puppy is no fun, but at least both of the ailments are treatable. Just practice good hygiene, and pick up after you pup. Also remember to ask your vet's office these questions when you communicate with them. Good luck!

[Tammy & Gracie]

Hang in there. Over the years many of my puppies have had these issues and all recovered without incident. Very common to have parasites in pups....

[Dianne Carter ~ Trinity Doodles]

Metronidazole is usually the treatment of choice for giardia where as Albon is frequently used for among other things coccidea. Perhaps the parasite your vet found you pup tested positive for was the same as that they were receiving treatment for? Both of the above are actually protozoans, here are some good resources for solid info ~

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/coccidia.html

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/giardia.html