Testing Your Pets Stool - WIKIUP VETERINARY HOSPITAL

WIKIUP VETERINARY HOSPITAL

What is the best way to submit your pets fecal sample for testing??
Here are 5 tips on getting that all-important stool sample.
1. The fresher the better.
If your dog’s poop has sat out in the backyard for 3 days, leave it there.
A 3-day poop sample is not very diagnostic.

The same goes for cat poop.
Cat poop that has been sitting in the litter box for 3 days and is severely dehydrated is not a good sample.
Fresh samples (within 24 hours) provide better and more accurate results so try your best
to snag a sample as soon as your pet poops.
2. You want to preserve the sample as best as you can.
If your pet has an appointment in the afternoon but only poops in the morning, that’s o.k.
You can store it in the fridge, or in cooler weather, store it outside.
Do not store it in the freezer or leave it baking in the hot sun, this will make for a bad sample.
3. Bigger is not better.
We need a small amount of poop to run a fecal sample. About the size of 2 sugar cubes.
4. Container options.
If you have one of our fecal containers, GREAT! If you misplace the container, fear not.
Other containers that work well are:
Old pill bottles or plastic containers.
Plastic bags can work well but they leak so make sure that you double bag the sample.
Poop bags work awesome and are great for all involved!!
Which pets should have poop samples tested?
Every pet!
Pets should have their stool sample checked by the veterinarian at least once a year at their annual visit.