Getting your pet their yearly fecal exams at your vet's office is the best way to keep your pet and your family safe from intestinal parasites. Annual fecal exams give your Los Angeles County vet an opportunity a chance to check your pet for intestinal parasites before more serious conditions arise.
What is a fecal exam?
A fecal exam is a microscopic examination of your pet's feces, which is completed at your vet's office. Annual fecal exams will help your vet to identify and treat any infections that could be compromising your pet's health, or even the health of other members of your family.
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 your pet's gastrointestinal tract, hiding them from view. Because of this, 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 key to not allow the stool sample you take from your pet to dry out or dehydrate before you bring it into us since many of the potential parasites will;l be killed and mask their presence.
How often does my pet need a fecal?
You should have your pet tested for internal parasites at least once per year. Animals with gastrointestinal issues or very young animals may need fecal exams more frequently. Ask your vet about how often you should bring your pet's stool sample in for a fecal exam.