Fecal testing is a way to check if your dog is infected with worms or other intestinal parasites, such as giardia. These parasites can seriously harm the health and well-being of your dog. In puppies, a worm infection can also lead to growth retardation. Some worms and parasites can be transmitted to humans. It is usually advised to have your dog undergo fecal testing at least three times a year. If your dog frequently comes into contact with other dogs or regularly eats raw meat, it may be wise to have the feces checked more often.

Symptoms of worms or parasites

When certain symptoms occur, it is wise to have your dog's stool examined. Symptoms that require fecal testing include:

• Unusual color of the stool, different from normal
• Diarrhea (especially black, with blood, or with mucus)
• Vomiting (especially with blood or bile)
• Decreased appetite
• Dull coat
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Itching around the anus
• Worms in the stool

How does fecal testing work?

For fecal testing at your veterinarian, you need to collect your dog's stool for three days. The veterinarian examines the collected feces for the presence of worm eggs or parasites. This is usually done using the so-called 'floatation method'. A small amount of the dog's stool is dissolved in water and then sieved. The veterinarian examines a drop of the liquid, in which worm eggs or larvae may be present, under a microscope. This way, he or she can detect any parasites. If the veterinarian suspects that your dog has intestinal problems, an endoscopy can also be performed. This involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light into the dog's anus. The veterinarian can then see the inside of the intestines and notice abnormalities such as inflammation, tumors, or bleeding.

There are now also several organizations where you can send your dog's stool and receive the results by email with advice.

Detecting diseases

Through fecal testing, the veterinarian can detect various diseases and parasites in dogs, including:

• Worms (including roundworms and heartworms)
• Bacteria
• Viruses (including parvovirus)
• Fungi (including giardia)
• Cancer

Regular fecal testing is therefore useful and sometimes even lifesaving for dogs. It helps your veterinarian better assess your dog's health and provide the appropriate treatment. Therefore, have fecal testing done regularly, especially if your dog shows symptoms or comes into contact with other animals, wildlife, or raw meat.

Deworming

Regular deworming of your dog is a good idea. For puppies, the advice is to deworm against roundworms every two weeks. When they are two months old, you can switch to monthly stool checks. Often, it is recommended for adult dogs to give a deworming treatment at least four times a year, but usually, this frequency is not really necessary! By regularly performing fecal testing, you can monitor if your dog is susceptible to worms and deworm based on those results. This prevents your dog from receiving excessive chemical treatments and developing resistance to the drugs. If fecal testing reveals that your dog is infected with worms or other parasites, the veterinarian will prescribe medication.