Fecal Testing
WHY IS A FECAL TEST REQUIRED? 🐾
At Wilde K9, your dog's health and the health of every dog in our care is our top priority.
Daycare and boarding environments are ideal places for intestinal parasites to spread and thrive. Dogs share outdoor spaces, walk through the same areas, sniff, play and sometimes come into contact with contaminated soil or fecal material. Some parasites can spread even when an infected dog looks completely healthy.
This is why we take the extra step of requiring fecal testing. It's one of the ways we help protect the health of our entire Wilde K9 community.
WHAT DOES A FECAL TEST LOOK FOR?
A fecal examination looks for evidence of intestinal parasites that can affect dogs, including:
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Giardia — a microscopic parasite that can cause intermittent or persistent diarrhea, mucus in the stool, gas, vomiting, decreased appetite and weight loss. Some infected dogs show no obvious symptoms.
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Coccidia — microscopic parasites that can cause diarrhea, dehydration, poor appetite and lethargy. Puppies can be particularly vulnerable to more significant illness.
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Roundworms — can cause digestive upset, poor growth and other intestinal problems. Some roundworms also have zoonotic potential, meaning certain species can infect people.
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Hookworms — attach to the intestinal lining and feed on blood. They can cause diarrhea, anemia, weakness and weight loss, particularly in puppies.
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Whipworms — can cause large-intestinal irritation, diarrhea, blood in the stool, weight loss and dehydration.
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Tapeworms — commonly cause irritation around the anus and may be visible as small segments around the dog's stool or rear.
Not every parasite is detected by every type of fecal test. Some parasites are easier to identify through microscopic examination, while others may be better detected through antigen testing or PCR.
WHY TEST IF MY DOG LOOKS HEALTHY?
Because healthy looking dogs can still carry parasites.
Some intestinal parasites cause little or no noticeable illness, particularly in adult dogs. A dog can have an infection and still be eating, playing and acting completely normal while shedding infectious stages into the environment.
Giardia is one example: many infections are subclinical, meaning the dog may show no obvious signs at all.
That's why we don't rely on appearance alone. Testing gives us another layer of protection.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER IN A MULTI-DOG ENVIRONMENT?
Parasites can spread through contaminated feces, soil, surfaces and shared environments. Once an infectious parasite is introduced into a multi-dog environment, it can be much harder to control.
Some parasites can cause nothing more than temporary digestive upset, while others can lead to dehydration, anemia, weight loss, poor nutrient absorption and more serious illness. Certain intestinal parasites also have zoonotic potential and can affect people.
By requiring testing, prompt treatment and clearance before joining our group environment, we're taking a proactive approach rather than waiting for a problem to appear.
WHAT IF MY DOG TESTS POSITIVE?
Don't panic! A positive fecal test simply means your veterinarian has found something that needs attention.
Your dog will need to be appropriately treated according to your veterinarian's recommendations and will not be able to attend Wilde K9 while they are considered contagious.
Once treatment is complete, a follow-up test is required to confirm the treatment was successful. Some infections, including Giardia, can require additional testing or management because reinfection can occur.
Your dog's health comes first. We would much rather postpone a stay and make sure your dog is healthy than risk spreading an infection to other dogs.
HOW OFTEN DOES WILDE K9 REQUIRE TESTING?
Every dog joining Wilde K9 must have a current fecal test before their first Trial Day, with repeat testing required annually thereafter.
While Wilde K9 requires annual testing, your veterinarian may recommend fecal testing more frequently based on your dog's age, health, lifestyle and exposure. Current veterinary parasite guidelines recommend more frequent testing for puppies and generally recommend fecal examinations at least twice yearly for healthy adult dogs, depending on individual risk factors.
WHAT TEST SHOULD I ASK MY VET FOR?
Fecal testing isn't one single test, and different methods have different strengths. When booking your dog's appointment, let your veterinary team know that your dog attends a multi-dog daycare/boarding environment and ask what fecal testing they recommend.
We encourage testing that includes microscopic examination of the feces and appropriate testing for Giardia, as these methods can complement one another.
If your veterinarian's report lists the specific tests performed, please send us the complete laboratory/veterinary results rather than simply a message saying your dog's fecal was "negative."
HOW DO I SUBMIT A SAMPLE?
Fecal testing is completed through your veterinary clinic. Contact your vet and ask how they would like the sample collected and submitted, as collection and storage requirements can vary between clinics and tests.
Fresh is best. Follow your veterinary clinic's instructions for collection and delivery. Many laboratories recommend keeping samples cool/refrigerated if they cannot be submitted immediately; your veterinarian can tell you the appropriate timeframe for the specific test being performed.
Please have your veterinarian send the completed results directly to Wilde K9 at:
WHY WE TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY 🤍
We know a fecal test is just one more thing to schedule, but it's a small step that can make a big difference in a multi-dog environment.
Our goal is to create a healthier environment for every dog who walks through our doors.
Thank you for helping us protect your dog, our other clients and the Wilde K9 community. 🐾
