Getting your pet their annual fecal exam at your veterinarian's office is the best way to keep your pet and your family safe from intestinal parasites. Annual fecal exams give your Goleta veterinarians an opportunity to check for intestinal parasites before more serious conditions may arise as a result.
What is a fecal exam?
Fecal exams are microscopic examinations of your pet's stool completed by your veterinarians at their office. These annually administered fecal exams can help your vet to identify and treat any infections that may be compromising your pet's health, or even the health of other members of your family or household.
What do fecals detect?
Your veterinarians will look for signs of parasites like roundworms or hookworms in your pet's stool while performing a fecal exam. These parasites not only make your pet irritable and uncomfortable but can lead to many more serious issues down the road. A number of these parasites are even 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 critical that you don't allow the stool sample that you take from your pet to dehydrate or dry out before you bring it in to your vet's office. If it does, parasites that may be hiding in it may be killed and become much more difficult to detect.
How often does my pet need a fecal?
You should have your pet tested at least ocne a year for intestinal parasites. Animals with gastrointestinal issues or young animals like puppies may require this testing more frequently. Ask your vet how often you should bring your pet's stool sample in for a fecal.