Getting your pet their annual fecal exam at your veterinarian's office is one of the best ways to keep both your pet and your family safe from intestinal parasites. Annual fecal exams give your Lebanon veterinarians an opportunity to check for intestinal parasites before more serious conditions have the chance to arise.
What is a fecal exam?
A fecal exam is a microscopic examination of your pet's feces conducted at your vet's office. These annual examinations help your vet to identify, diagnose and treat infections that may be compromising your pet's health and the health of other 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 the gastrointestinal tract of your pet, hidden from view, Because of this, fecals are one of the best ways 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 don't allow your pet's stool sample to dry out before bringing it to your vet. If you do, many potential parasites may be killed, making it much more difficult for your vet to detect them.
How often does my pet need a fecal?
You should aim to have your pet tested for intestinal parasites at least once each year. Animals with a history of gastrointestinal issues or puppies should have these exams administered more frequently than that. Ask your vet how often you should bring your pet's stool sample in for a fecal exam.