Getting your pet their annual fecal exam at your veterinarian's office is the best way for you to keep yourself and your pet safe from intestinal parasites. Annual fecal exams allow your Des Moines vets to check for intestinal parasites before they cause more serious conditions to arise.
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 exams will help your vet to identify and treat these parasites and any infection they could be causing before they significantly impact the health of your pet and even other members of your household.
What Do Fecals Detect?
Your vet will search for signs of these parasites—such as roundworms or hookworms—when performing fecal exams. Intestinal parasites are capable of making your pet uncomfortable, and irritable and may even lead to more serious infections or health issues. A number of these parasites may even be transmissible 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.
You mustn't let the stool sample you take from your pet dehydrate. If it does, many potential parasites will be killed and their presence will be much harder to detect.
How Often Does My Pet Need A Fecal?
You should have your pet 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.