What is a fecal exam?
Fecals are microscopic examinations of your pet's feces, performed at your veterinarian's office.
Fecals help vets to identify any infections that could be compromising your pet's health, and putting your family's health at risk too.
What do fecals detect?
A number of intestinal parasites can be detected by doing fecal exams including, roundworms and hookworms. Parasites such as these could lead to more serious conditions, and tend to make pets uncomfortable and irritable.
The only way to detect many of these parasites is with a fecal exam since they are often hidden from view within your pet’s gastrointestinal tract.
Why is my family's health at risk?
It's important to note that some of these parasites can be transmitted from pets to humans, so early detection is important.
How do I prepare for my pet's fecal?
Collect a fresh sample of your pet's stool and bring it to your veterinarian's office on the same day. For the most accurate test results we recommend bringing your pet's stool sample to our office within 4 to 6 hours, since dehydrating or drying out kills many of the potential parasites and could mask their presence.
How often does my pet need a fecal?
Our Waxhaw vets recommend that you have your pets tested for parasites annually. More frequent fecal exams may be necessary for animals with gastrointestinal issues, kittens, and puppies. Your vet will let you know how frequently you should bring in a stool sample from your pet.