Getting your pet a yearly fecal exam at your veterinarian's office is the best way to ensure that you can keep them and your family safe from intestinal parasites. Annual fecal exams give your veterinarian an opportunity to check your pet for intestinal parasites before they have a chance to cause more serious health issues.
What is a fecal exam?
A fecal exam is the microscopic examination of your pet's feces, completed at your vet's office. Annual fecals will help your veterinarian to detect and treat parasites or infections which may be comp[remising your pet's health, or even the health of other members of your household.
What do fecals detect?
Your vet will look for any signs of parasites such as hookworms and roundworms when performing fecal exams. These parasites can make pets irritable and uncomfortable, and could lead to many more serious issues. A number of parasites may even be transmitted to people.
Intestinal parasites, as the name might suggest, living in your pet's gastrointestinal tract, hidden from sight. Because of this, fecal exams are the best way to detect them before they cause your pet serious harm.
How do I prepare for my pet's fecal?
Collect a fresh stool sample and bring it into your vet's office on the same dat. For best results, do so within four to six hours of collection.
It's imperative not to allow the stool sample to dehydrate or dry out, since many of the potential parasites will be killed, which in turn can mask their presence.
How often does my pet need a fecal?
You should have your pet tested for internal parasites at least annually. Puppies and animals with gastrointestinal issues may need fecal exams more frequently. Ask your vet how often you should bring your pet's stool sample in for a fecal.