The benefits of a stool test in dogs
A stool test is a good way to check if your dog is infected with worms or other intestinal parasites, such as giardia or coccidia. Have a stool test done with some regularity, usually three times a year. This way, you can see in time if your dog needs to be wormed.
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Welfare

10 March '25 • 1 min reading time
Parasites such as worms can cause significant harm to your dog's health and well-being. Puppies may experience slower growth as a result. Additionally, some worms and parasites can also pose health risks to humans.
What does your vet look for?
During a fecal examination, your veterinarian will check for (eggs of):
- Roundworms
- Tapeworms
- Heartworms
- Hookworms
- Whipworms
- Nematodes
- Giardia
- Coccidia
Fecal testing can also help detect other health issues. In addition to worm eggs, your vet may find traces of bacterial infections, viruses, fungi, or even cancer.
Targeted deworming
Prevention is better than cure, but unnecessary deworming too frequently is not ideal. That’s why it’s better to know what’s going on and treat only when needed. During a fecal examination, the vet looks for eggs of worms and parasites. If no eggs are present, deworming is usually unnecessary, meaning you can avoid giving a deworming treatment. This is better for your dog and for the environment. If eggs are found, the vet can prescribe a specific treatment targeting the identified parasite.
When should you test?
Regular fecal testing is highly beneficial. It is recommended to perform this test three times a year. Dogs that frequently play with other dogs, spend a lot of time outdoors, or come into contact with raw meat, other animals, or wildlife are at a higher risk of worm infections. If your dog shows symptoms of an infection, such as a dull coat, weight loss, or diarrhea, a fecal test is also advisable. Additionally, fecal testing helps monitor the effectiveness of deworming treatments. By testing regularly, you can ensure that the treatment has worked.