What is a Fecal test?

A small amount of stool is needed to test your pet for intestinal parasites. Even though your pet's stool may look normal with no worms seen, microscopic eggs may be present. Only tapeworms are usually seen on fresh poop or around your pet's anus; other worms stay inside your pet's intestines. 

Every new pet's poop should be tested a few times during the first few months after they join your family. Adult animals should be tested at lease yearly. Pets that visit places outside your home or yard should be tested more frequently. Any pet with diarrhea, including diarrhea that comes and goes, should be tested for intestinal parasites

One teaspoon of soft fresh poop can be collected in any clean dry container or plastic bag. After it is brought to the clinic, we will either run the test here or send it to an outside lab for testing. An accurate fecal test will take 20 minutes or more.

Parasite testing is important, not only for the health of your pet, but for you and your family's safety. Some parasites can be transmitted to humans. Sometimes these worms cause severe problems in people, including scarring and even blindness.