What’s the Scoop on Poop? Why Fecal Testing & Parasite Prevention Matter for Your Pet
At West Ridge Animal Health Center we love keeping your pets happy and healthy—and that includes checking what they leave behind! Fecal testing might not be the most glamorous part of pet care, but it’s an essential step in keeping your furry family members (and your human family) safe. That’s why we recommend twice-yearly fecal exams to check for intestinal parasites in both dogs and cats. Along with routine testing, year-round parasite prevention is key to protecting your pet and your household.
Why Does My Pet Need a Fecal Exam?
Even if your pet seems perfectly healthy, they could be carrying intestinal parasites that don’t always cause obvious symptoms. Many of these parasites are picked up from the environment, including contaminated soil, water, or even from other animals. A fecal exam helps us detect these hidden threats before they become a bigger problem.
Common Intestinal Parasites We Check For:
- Roundworms – Can cause digestive issues in pets and are zoonotic (transmissible to humans).
- Hookworms – Can lead to anemia and weight loss in pets; also a risk for people, especially children.
- Whipworms – May cause chronic diarrhea and weight loss in dogs.
- Tapeworms – Often contracted through fleas, they can cause digestive discomfort.
- Giardia & Coccidia – Microscopic parasites that lead to diarrhea and dehydration.
Intestinal Parasites & Human Health: The Zoonotic Risk
One of the biggest reasons we emphasize regular fecal exams is because some of these parasites can infect humans. The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) provides extensive research on zoonotic diseases and recommends routine testing to reduce health risks.
- Children and immunocompromised individuals are especially at risk.
- Roundworms can cause visceral and ocular larva migrans (Parasite larvae in the soft internal organs or eye) leading to organ damage or even blindness.
- Hookworms can cause cutaneous larva migrans, (parasite larvae under the skin) where larvae burrow into the skin, leading to painful, itchy rashes.
Parasite Prevention: A Year-Round Commitment
In addition to routine fecal testing, year-round parasite prevention is essential to keep your pet protected. Many heartworm preventions also include protection against intestinal parasites, making it easy to safeguard your pet’s health.
At West Ridge, we offer safe and effective parasite prevention options tailored to your pet’s lifestyle. Whether it’s a monthly all in one chewable or a once a year injection, we can help you find the best product to protect your pet against intestinal parasites.
How Often Should My Pet Be Tested?
At West Ridge Animal Health Center, we follow CAPC guidelines and recommend:
- Twice-yearly fecal exams for all dogs and cats, even if they appear healthy.
- More frequent testing for pets that visit dog parks, attend daycare, or have exposure to other animals.
- Routine deworming & year-round parasite prevention based on lifestyle and risk factors.
Keeping Your Pet (and Family) Safe
Preventing intestinal parasites is easy with a proactive approach:
- Routine fecal exams – Schedule twice-yearly screenings with us.
- Monthly parasite prevention – Many heartworm preventatives also protect against intestinal parasites.
- Good hygiene – Pick up pet waste promptly and wash hands after handling pets.
- Regular veterinary care – We can help tailor the best parasite prevention plan for your pet’s needs.
Your pet’s health starts from the inside out! By staying on top of regular fecal exams and keeping them on consistent parasite prevention, you’re ensuring a healthier, happier life for your furry friend—and keeping your family safe in the process.
Schedule your pet’s fecal exam today! Call West Ridge Animal Health Center to book an appointment.
For more information on parasites and prevention, visit the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC).
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