Why do I need to bring in a fecal sample?

A fresh fecal sample lets us check your pet for intestinal parasites (like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, giardia, and coccidia) that aren't always visible to the naked eye and don't always cause obvious symptoms. Routine fecal testing is recommended at least once a year for both dogs and cats — even indoor cats, since some parasites can spread to humans and other pets in the household.

How to collect it:

• Collect a small sample (about the size of a grape) from a recent bowel movement — ideally within the last 12 hours
• Place it in a clean, sealed container or bag (a plastic baggie works fine)
• Keep it refrigerated if you can't bring it in right away, and try to drop it off within 24 hours
• Avoid samples that have been sitting outside for a long time, are frozen, or are contaminated with litter, dirt, or grass