Annual fecal exams for your pet at your veterinarian's office are the best way to protect your pets and family from intestinal parasites. Here, our vets explain how a fecal exam once a year gives your Milledgeville veterinarian the opportunity to test your cat or dog for intestinal parasites before more serious problems develop.
What Are Fecal Exams?
A fecal exam is a microscopic examination of your pet's feces, that your veterinarian can complete in our onsite diagnostics lab. These yearly fecal exams help your vet diagnose and treat any infections that might be affecting your cat or dog's health, and potentially the health of the other pets and people in your home.
What do Fecal Exams Test For?
When performing a fecal exam your vet will look for any signs of parasites including hookworms and roundworms. These parasites can make pets irritable and uncomfortable, and lead to many other serious problems. A handful of parasites could even be transmitted to humans.
Intestinal parasites reside in the gastrointestinal tract of your pet, hiding out of sight. This is why fecal exams are the best way to detect their presence.
How Can I Prepare For My Pet's Fecal Exam?
Collect a fresh sample of your pet's stool and take it with you to your vet's office the same day, preferably within 4 to 6 hours to get the most accurate results.
It's critical not to let the stool sample dehydrate or dry out, because many of the potential parasites will be killed, and their presence could be masked as a result.
How Often Will My Pet Require a Fecal Exam?
You should have your pet tested for internal parasites at least once a year. Puppies and animals that have gastrointestinal problems might need to come in for fecal exams more frequently. Ask your vet how often you should bring your pet's stool sample in for a fecal exam.
