Bringing your pet to the vet for a fecal exam once a year is the best way to keep your cat or dog and family protected from intestinal parasites. These exams provide your Novato vet with the opportunity to examine your furry friend for intestinal parasites in order to stop any problems before they can become serious.
What are fecal exams?
A fecal exam is a microscopic examination of your pet's feces, that is performed in your veterinarians office/ lab. These yearly exams give your veterinarian the chance to find and treat any infections or conditions that can compromise your cat or dog's health. This even keeps the human family members of your household safe.
What do fecal exams find?
Your vet will look for any signs of parasites including hookworms and roundworms when conducting fecal exams. Intestinal parasites can irritate and make your pet uncomfortable, they can also cause more serious health issues. A handful of parasites can even be transmitted to humans.
Intestinal parasites live in your pet's gastrointestinal tract, hiding out of site. This is why fecals are the best way to detect their presence.
How do I prepare for my pet's fecal exam?
Get a fresh sample of your pet's stool and bring it to your vet's office the same day, ideally within 4 to 6 hours to get the most accurate results.
It's extremely important to not let the stool sample dehydrate or dry out, because many of the potential parasites will be killed, which in turn can cloak their presence.
How often does my pet need a fecal exam?
You should have your pet tested for internal parasites at least once a year. Puppies and animals with gastrointestinal issues might require fecal exams more regularly. Ask your vet how often you should bring a sample of your pet's stool in for a fecal exam.