Pet Fecal Exams in Nichols Hills, OK, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Nichols Hills is a vet in Nichols Hills, OK, that checks dog and cat stool for intestinal parasites. A fecal exam looks for worm eggs and tiny parasites under a microscope, most of which you would never see with your eyes.

Most adult pets need a fecal exam once or twice a year. Puppies, kittens and pets with diarrhea need one more often.

Call (405) 251-8816 or bring a sample to your next visit.

Why does my pet need a stool test if it seems fine?

Many pets with worms look healthy. Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, Giardia and coccidia can live in the gut for weeks before they cause diarrhea, weight loss or a dull coat. Some, like roundworms and hookworms, can also spread to people, especially children who play in the yard.

A fecal exam is the only way to know what's there and pick the right treatment.

How often should my dog or cat have a fecal exam?

The vet at Petfolk Nichols Hills usually suggests:

• Puppies and kittens: at each early visit, since many are born with worms.

• Adult dogs: once or twice a year, more often for dogs that visit dog parks, daycare or boarding.

• Adult cats: once a year, or more for cats that hunt or go outside.

• Any pet with diarrhea, weight loss or worms in the stool.

Shared ground matters. A busy spot like Paw OK Dog Park on NW Grand Blvd sees many dogs in one place, and some parasite eggs survive in soil for a long time. Pick up after your dog, and keep up with yearly checks.

How do I collect a stool sample?

1. Collect a fresh sample, ideally within 12 hours of your visit.

2. You only need about a teaspoon. More isn't better.

3. Put it in a clean sealed bag or container.

4. Keep it cool, in the fridge if you need to, but never freeze it.

5. Label it with your pet's name.

For cats, a scoop from a clean litter box works. Try not to include much litter.

What happens at the clinic

The team at Petfolk Nichols Hills prepares the sample and looks at it under a microscope in the in-house lab, often while you wait. If parasites show up, the vet explains which ones and prescribes medicine from the on-site pharmacy. Some cases need a follow-up test to make sure treatment worked.

Fear Free handling is standard at Petfolk, and if your pet can't produce a sample at home, the vet can collect a small one gently during the exam.

What does a fecal exam cost?

The fecal exam is priced on its own and is often added to a wellness exam, which starts at $99 at Petfolk Nichols Hills. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit.

Treating what's found

If worms turn up, see deworming in Nichols Hills for how treatment works. Many monthly heartworm preventives also treat some intestinal worms.

Protecting your household

Wash hands after cleaning up stool and after handling a new puppy or kitten. Keep sandboxes covered. Clean the yard at least weekly. If one pet tests positive, the vet may suggest treating or testing the other pets in the home too, since they share the same yard, bowls and litter boxes. Young children, older adults and anyone with a weak immune system should take extra care until treatment is done.

Bloody diarrhea or a very weak pet

If your pet has bloody diarrhea with vomiting, is weak, or is a young puppy or kitten that seems flat, call (405) 251-8816. If it's collapsing, go to a 24-hour hospital such as VEG Oklahoma City on Pawnee Dr off N Western Ave.

Sample drop-off near Nichols Hills Plaza

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Nichols Hills is at 1125 NW 63rd St Suite 1125 C, Oklahoma City, OK 73116, with parking on site.

Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Nichols Hills, or see all veterinary services in Nichols Hills.