What parasites can a routine pet fecal exam miss, like Giardia?

Yes, a fecal test can be used to distinguish between giardia and coccidiosis. Giardia is a parasite, and it part of the life cycle of it is a cyst phase, which is the infectious stage of the parasite. When a puppy has giardia, there are cysts present in the feces, which the vet can identify using a fecal sample and a microscope. Coccidia is also a parasite, and it can also been seen in a fecal sample under a microscope. Instead of a cyst, there will be what's known as oocytes in the feces, which are different in appearance to the cysts of giardia. Simply by examining the feces of a puppy under the microscope, the vet can easily differential between giardia and coccidiosis in a puppy :-)

A fecal exam may detect a variety of intestinal parasites (worms, giardia, coccidia, flukes, etc.) as well as bacterial overgrowth. In certain cases, a fecal sample can be used to diagnose maldigestion or malabsorption issues.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. A fecal exam usually checks for parasite eggs, single celled parasites, the presence or absence of yeast, and the mixture and types of bacterial. If your dog has any vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea or soft stool at all, then yes, I would definitely do this screening. If he has no signs whatsoever, I would still consider doing it every other year or so to catch things early. Best wishes to you and Oscar!

Yes, Vetco clinics can do fecal exams to check for common parasites like hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. You can see a list of services offered here: https://www.vetcoclinics.com/services-and-clinics/vaccination-packages-and-prices/

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Intestinal parasites can be ruled out quickly with a fecal test. Once your vet determines the type of parasite, they can recommend the appropriate dewormer. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any questions you have!

Hi there. Most of our fecal exams require specific tests that will separate our parasite eggs from the feces. Typically I do what's called a fecal float-as most people do. Under the microscope you would be looking for parasite eggs-but there are various forms and you have to know what you're looking for. If you look it up, there are diagrams on certain types of eggs online-but I always recommend a fecal be done by your doctor in case any are missed at home.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The longer feces sits outside on the grass the more likely free living nematodes will come to the stool or flies will lay eggs that become maggots. Interceptor is a great way to deworm dogs monthly. But to be 100% sure that your dogs do not have parasites, collect a fresh stool sample from BOTH dogs and drop them off at your vet to have them check for worms. Good luck!