Bringing your pet in for a yearly fecal exam at our Kittrell vet office is an optimal way to protect your pet and your family from intestinal parasites. Annual fecals give your vet a chance to rid your pet of any parasites before they develop into more serious conditions.
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. These annual fecals will help your vet to identify and treat any infections that could be weakening your pet's health, and even the health of people in your house.
What do fecals detect?
Your vet will look for the tell-tail signs of parasites like hookworms and roundworms when performing fecal exams. These types of parasites are known to make pets uncomfortable and irritable and lead to more serious issues. A lot of parasites can be transmitted 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, within 4 to 6 hours for the most accurate results.
It's imperative not to allow the stool sample 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 a fecal?
Ideally, your pet should get tested for internal parasites at least once per year. Puppies and other animals with gastrointestinal issues may require more frequent fecal exams. Your vet will determine what time frame will work best for your pet.