The best way to monitor your pet for intestinal parasites is to keep up to date with their annual fecal exams. During these exams, our Torrance vets take a microscopic look at your cat or dog's feces, searching for difficult to detect parasites. Today's post dives deeper into why these regular fecal exams are important.
What is a fecal exam?
A fecal exam is a test used to diagnose many conditions, such as intestinal parasites that could be compromising your pet's health. During a fecal, your vet will take a sample of your cat or dog's feces, and examine it under a microscope. Since intestinal parasites can be transmitted to humans, annual fecal exams for your pet also protects your family!
What do fecals detect?
A cat or dog fecal exam gives your veterinarian the opportunity to determine if your pet has intestinal parasites such as hookworms or roundworms. These intestinal parasites not only make pets uncomfortable and irritable, but they can also lead to more serious conditions.
Intestinal parasites live in your pet's gastrointestinal tract, hidden from view. Fecals are the best way to detect parasites which otherwise might go undetected and infect other pets or even people in your household.
How do I prepare for my pet's fecal?
Simply bring a fresh sample of your pet's stool to your vet as quickly as possible, within four to six hours is ideal.
Dehydrating or drying-out can kill many of the parasites hiding within your pet, and could mask their presence when viewed under a microscope. Be sure to drop your pet's stool sample off for testing on the same day as collection for accurate results.
How often does my pet need a fecal?
Our Torrance vets recommend annual fecal exams for healthy pets. Animals with gastrointestinal issues, and puppies, may require more frequent fecal exams. Your veterinarian will let you know how frequently your pet should have fecal exams done.