Getting your pet their annual fecal exams at your veterinarian's office is one of the best ways to keep your pet and your family safe from intestinal parasites. These annual tests give your Douglasville veterinarians an opportunity to check for intestinal parasites before more serious conditions have a chance to arise.
What is are fecal exams?
A fecal exam is a microscopic examination of your pet's feces, which is completed at your veterinarian's office. These annual fecal exams will help your vet to identify and treat any infections that could be compromising your pet's health, and even the health of members of your household.
What do fecal examsdetect?
Your vet will check your pet for signs of parasites like roundworms and hookworms when performing a fecal exam on your pet. These parasites are capable of making your pets irritable and uncomfortable and may lead to much more serious health issues if left unchecked. A number of parasites may even be transmitted to people.
Intestinal parasites live in your pet's gastrointestinal tract, hiding them from view. That's why fecal exams are the best way to detect their presence.
How do I prepare for my pet's fecal?
Get a fresh stool sample and bring it to your vet's office the same day, ideally within 4 to 6 hours for the most accurate results.
It's critical that you do not allow stool samples to dehydrate or dry out before bringing them to your vet. If you do, many potential parasites would be killed, making them much more difficult to detect through a fecal exam.
How often does my pet need a fecal exam?
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.