The best way to keep your pet and yourself safe from intestinal parasites is by getting yearly fecal exams for your pet at your vet's office. Annual fecal exams give your South Salem vet a chance to check for parasites or other issues.
What is a fecal exam?
A fecal exam is a microscopic examination of your pet's feces, completed at your veterinarian's office. These annual exams will help your vet to identify and treat any infections that could be compromising your pet's health, and potentially even the health of members of your household.
What do fecal exams look for?
Your vet will look for signs of parasites like hookworms and roundworms when performing fecal exams. Besides making pets irritable and uncomfortable, these parasites could lead to many more serious issues - and a number of parasites can even be transmitted to people.
Intestinal parasites live in your pet's gastrointestinal tract, hiding them from view; that makes fecal exams an ideal way for your vet 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 ideally within 4 to 6 hours, or at the least the same day as your sample collection. This is necessary 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 exam?
We recommend having 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 your pet should be seen for a fecal exam.