Getting your pet their annual fecal exams at your vet's office is the best way of keeping your pet and your family safe from intestinal parasites. Annually administered fecals give your Wisconsin Dells veterinarian a chance to check for intestinal parasites before more serious conditions are able to arise.
What is a fecal exam?
A fecal is a microscopic examination of your pet's feces that is conducted at your veterinarian's office. These annual fecal exams will help vets to identify and treat any infections that may be compromising the health and well-being of your pet or even other members of your household.
What do fecals detect?
Your veterinarian will look for signs of parasites like roundworms or hookworms when performing fecal exams. These parasites can make pets irritable and uncomfortable and may lead to many more serious issues down the line. A number of parasites may even be transmittable 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?
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 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 bring you pet to your veterinarian's office for internal parasite testing at least once each year. Puppies or animals who are predisposed to gastrointestinal issues may require fecal exams more frequently. Make sure to ask you vet how often you should be bringing in a pet's stool sample for a fecal exam.