Giving your pet their annual fecal exam at your veterinary office is the best way to keep your pet and your family safe from intestinal parasites. Fecal exams give your Villa Rica vet an opportunity to check for intestinal parasites in your pet before more serious conditions have a chance to arise.
What is a fecal exam?
Fecal exams are microscopic examinations of your pet's feces that are conducted at your veterinarian's office. Annual applied fecal exams will help your vet to identify and treat any infections that may be compromising your pet's health.
What do fecal exams detect?
Your vet will search for signs of parasites like hookworms, roundworms, or tapeworms in your pet when performing a fecal exam. These parasites are capable of making your pet irritable and uncomfortable and may lead to a number of serious health issues. Many parasites may even be transmitted to people.
Intestinal parasites live in your pet's gastrointestinal tract, hiding them from view. That's why fecal exams are the best way to detect their presence.
How do I prepare for my pet's fecal exam?
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 critical that you don't allow your stool samples to dehydrate or dry out, since many potential parasites will be killed, masking their presence in your pet's stool.
How often does my pet need a fecal exam?
You should bring your pet to your vet's office to be tested for intestinal parasites at least once each year. Puppies or pets that are prone to gastrointestinal issues may require these exams more frequently. Ask your vet about how often you should bring in your pet's stool for a fecal exam.