21/06/2025
🐾 I. JC FARM’S FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH TAPEWORM😳
The day we saw what looked like a grain of rice in his p**p
We’d like to share a simple story — our very first experience with a Husky puppy, and the hard lessons we had to learn the rough way.
Hopefully, this can help fellow new furparents avoid the same blind spots and lack of awareness we had when we were just starting out.
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📌 PART 1: We Were Excited — But Unprepared
The day our puppy was turned over to us, we were genuinely excited.
He had just gotten his second vaccine, and we thought everything was okay.
We didn’t really know what to expect — we were just happy to finally have him home.
It was our first time owning a Husky puppy — and truth be told, we had zero knowledge about proper puppy care.
But we instantly fell in love.
Those striking blue eyes and that wooly coat had us completely hooked.
Like many first-time buyers, we got carried away by the price, the coat color, the blue eyes, and how irresistibly cute he was.
We asked questions — but of course, not everything was honestly shared.
We didn’t know what else to look for or ask.
Looking back, it was truly a case of EXPECTATION vs. REALITY.
We named him Zoey. At 11 weeks, he weighed only 3.5 kg. (Turns out, puppies his age — especially those raised in places like JC Farm — typically weigh around 6 to 7 kg in larger litters, and even up to 8 kg when the litter is small.)
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In the first few days, we noticed Zoey had soft stool and p**ped frequently.
We assumed it was normal — maybe he was just adjusting to his new environment. We cleaned his tray, moved on, and didn’t think much of it.
Zoey was still playful and eating well, so we didn’t worry. We thought he was okay — so we just let it pass.
But the next day, we saw something strange in his p**p — A grain-like speck and a long, jelly-like mucus in his stool.
And it moved.
Most likely, it was already coming out on Day 1 — We just didn’t know what to look for.
We took a photo.
Then rushed Zoey to the vet.
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📌 PART 2: The Diagnosis — Tapeworm
When we showed the vet the photo and described Zoey’s p**p, his response was immediate. He confirmed it right away: tapeworm infestation.
It turns out those grain-like bits we saw? They were tapeworm segments — tiny egg sacs that break off from the worm and exit through the stool. And that long, slimy piece? That was part of the actual worm.
We were shocked😳.
We asked:
“Paano po siya nagka-tapeworm? Hindi naman siya lumalabas ng bahay. Nakacrate lang po siya.”
That’s when we learned one of the most important things about puppy care:
Tapeworms usually come from fleas. Even just one flea carrying tapeworm larvae can infect a puppy once ingested — whether from grooming, licking, or simple contact with other dogs.
That’s most likely where it came from — either through his mom, or from the conditions of the breeder’s home when we picked him up ourselves.
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📌 PART 3: Treatment & Recovery
The vet gave Zoey a deworming tablet specifically for tapeworm —not the usual broad-spectrum dewormer.
We also started him on flea prevention right away.
That’s when we realized:
✔️ Regular deworming is not enough
✔️ Flea prevention is essential — even if your dog stays indoors
✔️ Always monitor p**p, weight, and behavior, especially for young pups
Within 24 hours, Zoey’s stool improved.
The mucus disappeared.
No more moving particles.
He became noticeably more comfortable, less bloated, and even more playful.
It was a wake-up call — and thankfully, we caught it early.
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📌 PART 4: What We Learned (So You Don’t Have To)
1. Check your puppy’s p**p daily.
What’s gross today might just save them tomorrow.
2. Don’t rely on generic deworming alone.
Ask your vet what specific parasites your pup could be exposed to — and treat accordingly.
3. Flea prevention is a must.
Even one flea can lead to tapeworms.
4. Never assume everything’s okay just because your puppy looks okay.
Tapeworms don’t always show signs until it’s too late.
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We hope Zoey’s little story helps new furparents become more aware.
It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being present and willing to learn.
Because the moment you bring home a puppy, you’re not just a pet owner — you become their entire world.
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💬 From JC Farm
At JC Farm, we’re not just here to raise puppies — We’re here to raise awareness.
Every peso matters, and every puppy deserves to grow up with the right care and love.
Sometimes, people choose based on price or appearance. But nothing compares to getting a puppy from someone with real experience — someone who understands what it truly means to raise a life, not just sell one.
Because it’s never just about how cute they look. It’s about how well they were cared for long before they became yours.
We believe responsible breeding isn’t about producing dogs for numbers, fame, or show. It’s about raising lives with purpose — and sending them home to families who understand what that responsibility means.
We’ve made mistakes too — and we’re still learning, every single day. But if our story helps even one furparent care better, love deeper, or notice sooner —
then it’s all worth it.
To every new pet owner out there: It’s okay not to know everything. What matters is that you care enough to try.
Because in your puppy’s eyes… you’re already their hero.
— JC Farm Kennel
