Pet Fecal Exams & Parasite Screening
Many intestinal parasites cause no signs until there are a lot of them. A fecal exam finds their eggs in a small stool sample. Our Sugar Land clinic on Southwest Freeway runs most fecal tests in our in-clinic lab.
It's a routine part of puppy, kitten, and yearly wellness visits, and the first step when stool changes.
Call (346) 436-6295 or book online.
When it's an emergency: Go straight to a 24-hour emergency hospital for bloody diarrhea with weakness, vomiting in a puppy who isn't fully vaccinated, or a pet who can't keep water down. We're open 8 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week, and we don't provide overnight care.
When a Fecal Exam Makes Sense
Every puppy and kitten, more than once during the first months
Once or twice a year at wellness visits for adult pets
Diarrhea, mucus, or soft stool lasting more than a day or two
Scooting, worms or rice-like segments near the tail, or weight loss
A new pet from a shelter, rescue, or breeder
Puppies and kittens often get roundworms from their mother, so a clean first sample isn't the end of the story.
Collecting a Good Sample
Bring stool less than 24 hours old; fresher is better.
A piece about the size of a grape is plenty.
Seal it in a clean bag or container and keep it cool. Don't freeze it.
For cats, scoop a solid piece before litter sticks to it.
PetMD's guide to fecal tests explains why fresh samples matter: some eggs break down or hatch as stool sits, which can hide an infection.
“Everyone was patient, answered all our questions on the new puppy. They were great!”
— Jason W., Petfolk client.
Pawm Springs and Other Shared Ground
Pawm Springs Dog Park at Sugar Land Memorial Park on University Boulevard is a six-acre off-leash park with swimming pools in both the large- and small-dog areas. Shared grass and shared water are how many intestinal parasites move from dog to dog.
Giardia spreads through contaminated water and stool, and dogs pick it up drinking or swimming.
Roundworm and hookworm eggs can survive in soil for long periods.
Pick up after your dog right away, and bring your own water bowl.
If your dog visits dog parks or daycare often, ask about testing twice a year.
Why a Clean Result Isn't Always Final
Some parasites shed eggs on and off, so one sample can miss them. If your pet still has symptoms after a negative test, the doctor may ask for another sample or a different test.
Some tests go to an outside lab when the in-clinic test isn't enough. The doctor will tell you if that's the plan and what to expect.
When You Don't Need an Extra Test
A healthy adult pet with normal stool and a clean recent result doesn't need extra testing between wellness visits. One soft stool after a treat usually isn't a reason to bring a sample. Diarrhea that lasts more than a day or two is.
What a Fecal Exam Costs
Most fecal exams happen at a wellness exam. A wellness exam is $99, or included with PetfolkCare.
The fecal test is a lab charge you'll see before it's run. PetfolkCare is $199 a year and takes 10% off labs and preventives. Dewormers or a send-out test add to the total only if the doctor recommends them.
Bring a Sample to Your Next Visit
A fresh sample is all it takes. Call (346) 436-6295 or book a wellness exam online, and bring a sample from that morning.