Annual or twice-yearly fecals at your vet's office are the best way to keep your pet and your family safe from intestinal parasites. Fecal exams give your Orlando vet a chance to check for intestinal parasites before more serious conditions develop.
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. Annual fecals help your vet to identify and treat 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 your pet's fecal exams. Intestinal parasites can make pets irritable and uncomfortable and could lead to many more serious issues. Several parasites can even be transmitted to people.
Intestinal parasites live in your pet's gastrointestinal tract, hiding them from view. That's why annual or twice-yearly fecal exams are the best way to detect their presence.
How Do I Prepare For My Pet's Fecal?
Simply bring a fresh sample of your pet's stool to your vet's office the same day, ideally within 4 to 6 hours for the most accurate results.
The stool sample must not be allowed 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 Fecal?
Pets should be tested for internal parasites at least annually. Puppies and animals with gastrointestinal issues may need fecal exams more frequently. Ask your vet how often you should bring your pet's stool sample in for a fecal.
