Bringing your pet's stool sample to the vet's office for an annual fecal exam is an essential component of routine, preventive pet healthcare along with regular wellness checkups, vaccinations, and balanced nutrition and exercise.
Learn why fecal tests are so important for the long-term health and well-being of your dog and/or cat while gaining tips on collecting and transporting the sample.
What Is a Fecal Exam?
A pet fecal exam is basically a close-up inspection of your pet’s poop! While your pet’s bowel movements may look fine on the surface, fecal tests detect intestinal parasites that cannot be seen by the human eye.
During a fecal exam, a sample of pet feces will be looked at under a microscope, searching for any indication of potential health problems. If signs of parasites are found, interventions can be implemented before more serious complications occur.
What Do Fecal Exams Detect?
Fecal exams are essential in detecting, as intestinal parasites live and thrive in your pet's gastrointestinal tract. Some of the parasites your vet is looking for include:
Roundworms
Hookworms
Giardia
Coccidia
Whipworm
These parasites can not only make pets uncomfortable and irritable, but can also lead to many more serious issues if left untreated. Several parasites can even be transmitted to people so by having your pet’s feces examined, you are protecting humans in your household too!
How to Collect a Pet Stool Sample
If a stool sample is not handled correctly, potential parasites could die, and their presence may not be found during examination—leading to your pet not receiving the treatment they need. To ensure your pet’s stool sample receives accurate results, use some of the tips below.
For Dogs: Use your pup’s morning poop as an opportunity for a fresh stool sample that can be dropped off for evaluation the same day. Stool should be no more than 24 hours old. Your vet may be able to collect one when they complete a rectal exam, so it doesn't hurt to ask.
For Cats: Clean out their litter bin, then watch for when your kitty next ventures into ‘do their business’ mode. This way you can ensure the collection is fresh. Stool should be no more than 24 hours old.
Use a regular doggie poop bag to collect the whole feces (we advise double bagging to avoid messy breakages!) or use a plastic spoon to scoop a sample, placing the spoon and sample in a disposable container or plastic sandwich bag.
Keep the sample in a cool, dark place to avoid it drying out.
Drop off the sample at your vet's hospital.
Remember—a fresher sample means more accurate results! If you have any concerns or questions about how best to collect or drop off your pet’s fecal sample, do not hesitate to call your pet hospital for advice; your vet may also be able to collect the sample during your pet’s annual wellness exam.
How Often Does My Pet Need a Fecal Exam?
Even if your pet is regularly taking a parasite prevention medication, no brand currently protects against all potential intestinal parasites that could infect your pet. Every cat and dog should get a fecal exam at least twice a year. Depending on your pet’s location and lifestyle, talk to your vet about more frequent fecal exams. For example, animals with gastrointestinal issues may require more frequency.
We recommend asking your vet how often you should bring your pet's stool sample in for a fecal as they can provide you with a more personalized timeline specific to your pet’s needs.
