Fecal Testing

Fecal Testing for Dogs and Cats: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Overview

Fecal testing is a key part of your pet’s wellness and preventive care plan. At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, we use advanced in-house lab equipment and decades of veterinary expertise to analyze stool samples for signs of intestinal parasites, bacterial imbalances, and other gastrointestinal abnormalities in dogs and cats. This simple yet powerful diagnostic tool plays a critical role in detecting health problems early—often before symptoms appear.

What Is Fecal Testing?

Fecal testing involves examining a small sample of your pet’s stool under a microscope to identify the presence of internal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, and Giardia. It can also provide valuable insights into gastrointestinal health, revealing signs of bacterial overgrowth, blood, or other abnormalities that may require further investigation or treatment.

Why Fecal Testing Matters

• Early Detection of Parasites: Many intestinal parasites don’t cause visible symptoms until they’ve advanced. Fecal testing helps catch them early.
• Protects Your Family: Some parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can infect humans—especially children.
• Supports Digestive Health: Identifying imbalances or inflammation helps treat chronic GI symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or weight loss.
• Essential for Puppies and Kittens: Young pets are particularly vulnerable to parasites and should be tested multiple times in their first year.
• Required for Boarding & Travel: Many boarding facilities and pet travel requirements include a negative fecal test.

How Fecal Testing Is Performed

At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, we follow a meticulous and proven process to ensure accurate and timely results. Here’s how it works:

1. Sample Collection

We need a small, fresh stool sample—ideally less than 24 hours old. You can collect it in a clean, sealable container or use one of our provided fecal collection kits. Freshness is essential, as older samples may dry out or allow fragile parasites, such as Giardia, to degrade.

2. Fecal Flotation

The sample is mixed with a flotation solution, such as Sheather’s sugar solution. This solution is denser than most parasite eggs, allowing them to float to the surface.

3. Microscopic Examination

A cover slip is placed on top of the flotation tube, where parasite eggs and debris collect. The slide is then examined under a microscope to identify and count the eggs or organisms.

4. Centrifugal Flotation (Advanced Option)

Southern Ocean Animal Hospital also offers centrifugal flotation, which uses a centrifuge to spin the sample. This accelerates and improves the separation of eggs from fecal matter, making it more sensitive and accurate than passive flotation.

5. Specialized Testing (When Needed)

Some parasites, such as Giardia or Cryptosporidium, may require antigen testing, PCR, or direct smear techniques for accurate identification. These advanced methods are available in-house or through our trusted diagnostic partners.

What We’re Looking For

Intestinal Parasites

These are the most common findings in a fecal test. Pets can become infected by ingesting contaminated soil, feces, food, or prey animals. Here are the top culprits:

Even asymptomatic pets can be carriers, meaning they can infect other animals or people without showing signs themselves.

Bacterial Overgrowth

While not a parasite, gut flora imbalances or bacterial infections can be identified through fecal testing. Pets with chronic or unexplained diarrhea may be suffering from:

• Clostridium
• E. coli imbalance
• Salmonella

These may require a culture & sensitivity test to determine the right course of treatment.

Blood, Mucus, and Other Abnormalities

During microscopic analysis, we also look for:

• Microscopic blood (may indicate GI bleeding or ulcers)
• Mucus (a sign of inflammation or colitis)
• Undigested material (may indicate poor absorption or enzyme deficiency)

Fecal Testing Schedule

To ensure your pet stays protected, we recommend the following:

For Puppies and Kittens:

• First fecal test: as early as 2–3 weeks of age
• Retest every 2–3 weeks until 16 weeks of age
• Deworming typically follows positive test results or as a preventative

For Adult Dogs and Cats:

• Test at least once a year during their wellness exam
• Additional tests if:
  • They develop digestive symptoms
  • There’s exposure to high-risk environments (dog parks, shelters, boarding)
  • New pets are introduced into the home

For Senior Pets:

• Annual testing minimum
• More frequent testing if immune-compromised or dealing with chronic conditions

Signs Your Pet Might Need a Fecal Test

• Diarrhea or soft stool
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Visible worms in stool
• Scooting or licking the rear
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Abdominal bloating

Even if your pet appears healthy, routine fecal testing can detect early infections before symptoms develop.

Zoonotic Risk: Protecting Your Family Too

Some intestinal parasites pose a serious zoonotic threat—meaning they can be transmitted to humans. Children, elderly individuals, and people with compromised immune systems are especially at risk.

Common zoonotic parasites:

• Roundworms: Can cause visceral or ocular larva migrans, leading to organ or eye damage in humans.
• Hookworms: Cause cutaneous larva migrans, which appears as red, itchy trails under the skin.
• Giardia: Rarely transmitted but still possible under poor hygiene conditions.

Proper testing, treatment, and year-round parasite prevention are critical for protecting the entire household.

Why Choose Southern Ocean Animal Hospital?

At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, we go beyond standard fecal testing. We offer:

✅ State-of-the-Art Lab Equipment

• Digital microscopy for fast, high-resolution parasite detection
• Centrifugal flotation for enhanced accuracy
• In-house antigen testing for Giardia and more
• Comprehensive parasite screening panels

✅ Veterinary Expertise You Can Trust

• Led by Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine
• Extensive training in internal medicine, population health, and preventive diagnostics
• Compassionate, personalized care with an emphasis on client education

What Happens If the Test Is Positive?

If parasites are detected, we’ll:

• Prescribe targeted deworming or antiparasitic medications
• Provide sanitation guidance for your home
• Recommend follow-up testing to ensure complete clearance
• Discuss long-term preventive care (monthly preventatives, routine deworming)

In cases involving zoonotic risk, we also discuss family safety, hygiene, and how to avoid reinfection.

Prevention Starts with Awareness

Fecal testing isn’t just about detecting what’s wrong—it’s about keeping your pet well and preventing unnecessary suffering. With the right tools, early detection, and a proactive plan, you can protect your pet and your family.

Schedule Your Pet’s Fecal Test Today

If your pet hasn’t had a fecal test in the last 12 months—or is showing signs of digestive upset—don’t wait. We make fecal testing quick, comfortable, and accurate with our in-house diagnostics and expert team.

📞 Call Southern Ocean Animal Hospital today or schedule your visit online to keep your pet protected from what you can’t always see—but what we can find.