Routine fecal examinations are used to detect intestinal parasites in your pet. These parasites may include worms (such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms) and microscopic parasites (such as Giardia or Coccidia).
Parasites not only cause intestinal disease in dogs and cats, some can also be infectious to humans (hookworms, roundworms, and Giardia).
During their first year of life, puppies and kittens should have several fecal parasite exams. Intestinal worms are very common in puppies and kittens and can cause more problems in younger animals so early detection is important.
In adult dogs and cats, fecal parasite testing should be performed every 6-12 months.