Fecal testing is one of the most commonly run diagnostics in a veterinary practice. In fact, if your puppy is only 8 months old, they’ve probably already had a fecal test (or 2 or 3) recommended. So, what is this fecal test actually looking for, and why is it so important?
The purpose of fecal testing
A fecal test looks for parasites that can live in your puppy’s intestines. These include worms like roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and whipworms, as well as other parasitic infections, such as Giardia and Coccidia.
Why are fecal tests recommended so often?
Intestinal parasites are, unfortunately, very common in dogs of all ages. This is partly because of common dog behavior. Sniffing butts, sharing water bowls, eating dirt, cleaning/licking their feet and eating poop are all habits that pass parasites very easily from one dog to another. Parasites also pass through other methods, like catching and eating wildlife or even accidentally swallowing fleas. Worst of all, some parasites can pass simply by walking on contaminated ground (which is why you shouldn’t walk barefoot on certain beaches and parks).
Because intestinal parasites are common, your veterinarian will recommend routine fecal testing to make sure your puppy isn’t harboring any parasites. Plus, anytime your puppy is having digestive issues, like diarrhea or lack of appetite, your veterinarian will likely want to rule out parasites as a possible cause.
But why are parasites so important to treat?
Aside from being gross, parasites can affect your puppy‘s digestion—stealing away their nutrients and causing a lack of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting or even weight loss.
Even worse, some of these worms are zoonotic, meaning they can pass to you and your family.
Okay. Fecal testing is important. So, how do I go about getting a fecal test?
To run a fecal test, your veterinarian will need stool—and fresh stool at that. So, the best way to go about this is to take your puppy on a walk, pick up their droppings with a baggie and then bring the baggie to the hospital. Your VCA care team will need an amount that’s equivalent to the size of a cherry tomato.
Always remember to wash your hands afterward. If you can’t get the baggie to the hospital within a few hours of collecting it, it does need to be kept in the fridge to stay fresh. The best plan is to take your puppy on a walk shortly before you head to the hospital.
Find out more about the different types of internal parasites that could affect your puppy.
