Fecal Exams in Far North Central San Antonio, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Far North Central is a vet in San Antonio, TX, that runs fecal exams to screen dogs and cats for intestinal parasites. Adult pets usually need one a year; puppies, kittens and pets with diarrhea need them more often.

Most worms live inside the gut and shed microscopic eggs, so a pet can look healthy and still carry them. A fecal test finds what your eyes can't.

Call (726) 600-3009 or book online. Walk-ins are welcome.

What does a fecal exam look for?

At Petfolk Far North Central, a fecal exam checks a small stool sample for signs of:

• Roundworms and hookworms. Common in puppies and kittens, and both can infect people.

• Whipworms. Hardy eggs that stay in soil for years.

• Tapeworms. Often spread by fleas.

• Giardia and coccidia. Single-celled parasites that cause diarrhea.

Some screens look for the eggs under a microscope, and others detect parasite proteins. The vet picks the test that fits your pet's age and signs.

How often should my pet have a stool test?

At Petfolk Far North Central, the usual plan is:

1. Puppies and kittens: at the first visit and again during the vaccine series.

2. Adult dogs and cats: once a year at the wellness exam.

3. Any age: whenever there's diarrhea, weight loss, a dull coat or worms seen in the stool.

4. New pets: at the first visit, especially rescues and strays.

Why parasites stick around in North San Antonio

Dog parks, greenbelts and shared yards mean dogs often sniff where other dogs have been. The Phil Hardberger Park dog parks require the people who bring dogs to pick up and dispose of all their dogs' waste, a rule that exists for good reason: many worm eggs pass in stool and wait in the soil for the next dog. Warm, damp ground after a San Antonio storm helps some eggs survive.

Cats who hunt lizards, mice or birds can pick up worms from their prey, and fleas, common in Texas, spread tapeworms to both dogs and cats.

Collecting a good sample

A good sample makes the test at Petfolk Far North Central more accurate:

• Bring a fresh sample, ideally from the last 12 hours.

• About a teaspoon is enough.

• Use a clean bag or container, and keep it cool, not frozen.

• Grab it from the top of the pile, avoiding grass and dirt.

• For cats, a clump of litter-covered stool is fine.

You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit.

Treats readily available for my dog to help get them super comfortable!

Heather d., Google review

Fear Free handling is standard at every Petfolk clinic. If the vet needs to collect a sample, the team does it gently.

What happens if the test finds parasites?

At Petfolk Far North Central, the vet prescribes a dewormer or other medicine that targets the parasite found, and usually a recheck test afterward. Many monthly preventives also control some intestinal worms. See deworming in Far North Central for how treatment works.

Hand washing after cleanup protects your family, since roundworms and hookworms can infect people.

What does a fecal exam cost?

At Petfolk Far North Central, the test is often part of the yearly exam, which starts at $99 or is included with PetfolkCare, which starts at $199 a year. The test itself is priced separately.

When diarrhea becomes urgent

Bloody diarrhea, vomiting with diarrhea, or a weak puppy or kitten needs a same-day visit. If your pet is collapsing or very weak, go to a 24-hour hospital such as BluePearl Pet Hospital Stone Oak.

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Far North Central is at 18206 Blanco Rd, Suite 104, San Antonio, TX 78258. Call (726) 600-3009.

Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Far North Central, or see all veterinary services in Far North Central.