Why Do Vets Want a Stool Sample?

Sometimes, animals are sick even if they don’t show any symptoms. And, because they can’t explain to us that something hurts or feels weird, we need another way to catch potential issues as early as possible.

One way we do this is with a routine f ecal e xam . What is it, and why is it so important? Read on to find out.

What is a Fecal Exam?

A fecal exam is a microscopic examination of your pet’s poop (also known as a stool sample). We don’t need much – ½ a teaspoon (the size of a sugar cube) is enough. While it may seem a little gross, it is so important to bring a sample to your appointment. It checks for intestinal parasites (which are hard to detect otherwise) and other illnesses/infections that can cause serious health problems for your pet.

Common intestinal parasites are:

• hookworms
• roundworms
• whipworms
• giardia
• coccidia

Fecal exams are a crucial aspect of looking at the overall health of your loved one. It is not only for the health and safety of your pet, but for you and your other family members as well. Proactive testing can uncover health issues that need to be treated quickly (animal illness can escalate much faster than in humans) and are difficult to diagnose otherwise.

How Often Does My Pet Need a Fecal Exam?

Fecal exams should be a part of routine wellness care for your pet. The number of times a year can vary depending on your pet’s lifestyle. Consult your veterinarian on what is best for your loved one.

Annual Wellness Program

The good news is that your pet does not need to come in just for a routine fecal exam. Our Annual Wellness Program provides tests, prevention, and care for your animal in the number of appointments that are right for you. Learn even more about our Annual Wellness Program, in this blog .

How Do I Prevent Parasites From Infecting My Pet?

Tips to avoid contamination:

• properly dispose of all animal feces according to local regulations
• never handle waste with bare hands
• wash hands immediately after secondary contact
• always pick up dog poop/clean litter boxes as soon as possible

Can’t remember the last time you brought a stool sample with you to the vet? Your pet is likely overdue and we want to ensure they are in good health: Schedule their appointment now .