One of the least understood lab tests that veterinarians run is the fecal test. It’s also one of the most important. Intestinal parasites are far more common than most people think and can be a source of serious illness for your pet or yourself.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE TEST?
To look for hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, tapeworms, Coccidia, Giardia and other types of intestinal parasites

AREN’T INTESTINAL PARASITES RARE ANYMORE?
No. In the Midwest approximately 15-20% of dogs and cats have at least one kind of intestinal parasite.

MY PET ISN’T AROUND OTHER ANIMALS. HOW COULD IT POSSIBLY GET PARASITES?
Our pets don’t get intestinal parasites directly from other animals (with the exception of mothers passing larvae to babies). Most are ingested from contaminated soil or water although hookworm larvae can penetrate the skin. Raccoons, opossums, and many other animals that we are unaware of, travel through our yards at night and infected animals deposit parasite eggs into the soil through their stools. Any animal that spends any time outdoors has opportunity for exposure. Dog parks, or any other place where people frequently exercise their dogs, are especially contaminated areas.

AN OCCASIONAL WILD ANIMAL IN THE YARD CAN’T CONTAMINATE VERY MUCH CAN IT?
Depending on the type of parasite, a single gram (about ¼ teaspoon) of infected feces may contain over 10,000 worm eggs. These can stay viable for years.

IF MY PET HAD PARASITES WOULDN’T IT ACT SICK?
Your pet may get very sick if we neglect the problem long enough. We’d prefer to focus on prevention or treatment before illness occurs.

I’M USING FLEA/TICK PREVENTIVE AND HEARTWORM PREVENTIVE. DOESN’T THAT COVER EVERYTHING?
No. Intestinal parasites are a separate issue. Some heartworm preventives can be helpful in control of some types of intestinal parasites but there is no one medication that treats all parasites.

ANY THING ELSE TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT?
There sure is. Some parasites, primarily roundworms and hookworms, can be transmitted to people causing skin disease, intestinal problems or vision threatening eye disease. Children and immuno-suppressed individuals are especially susceptible.