Giving your pet their yearly fecal exam at your vet's office is the best way to keep them and your family safe from a wide variety of intestinal parasites. Annual fecal exams give your Chino Hills veterinarian an opportunity to check for intestinal parasites before more serious conditions have arisen.
What is a fecal exam?
A fecal exam is a microscopic examination of your pet's feces, which is completed at your veterinarian's office. These annual fecals 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 fecals detect?
Your vet will look for any signs of parasites such as hookworms and roundworms when performing fecal exams. These parasites can make pets irritable and uncomfortable, and could lead to many more serious issues. 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 fecals are the best way to detect their presence.
How do I prepare for my pet's fecal?
Acquire a fresh stool sample and bring it in to your vet's office the same day you collected it, ideally within 4 - 6 hours for the most accurate results.
It's imperative not to allow the stool sample to dehydrate or dry out, since many of the potential parasites will be killed, which in turn can mask their presence.
How often does my pet need a fecal?
You should have your pet tested for internal parasites at least once per year. Puppies and other animals with gastrointestinal issues may need fecal exams more frequently, however. Ask your Lafayette vet how often you should be bringing in your pet's stool sample for a fecal exam.