Stool test for dogs and cats
Do you suspect internal parasites or does your pet have persistent stomach problems? A stool sample is often the first step in the investigation of dogs and cats with chronic respiratory or gastrointestinal problems.
Smooth sampling
Fast answers from the lab
Stool test for dogs and cats
Related terms
Giardia dog symptoms, worm in cat's stomach, stool test dog diarrhea, deworming dog recipe.
What is a stool sample?
A stool sample is a painless and crucial method for examining the animal's gastrointestinal health. By analyzing the sample in a laboratory, we can detect internal parasites, such as roundworms, giardia and lungworms. This is to be able to initiate the correct treatment.
Dog stool test
In dogs, a stool sample is often performed for persistent, recurring diarrhea, mucousy stool, chronic respiratory problems, or unexplained weight loss. It helps us find everything from common roundworms to the contagious, single-celled parasite giardia.
Cat stool sample
Cats, especially those that hunt a lot outdoors, are often affected by tapeworms or roundworms. A test is important if the cat loses weight despite a good appetite, has a loose stomach or has a suddenly dull and shaggy coat.
Care guide: How to choose the right form of care for stomach problems
Because we offer care through home visits, at our veterinary clinics (Arken Zoo) and at our fully equipped animal clinic in Östermalm, you can always get the right kind of help. Here is a guide to make your choice easier when your animal has stomach problems or needs to be checked for parasites.
Home visit
A home visit is optimal for investigating stomach complaints, as we can calmly collect the sample, examine the animal and evaluate the surrounding environment. It is particularly well suited for cats and stress-sensitive dogs. We can provide quick and gentle relief in an environment where the animal feels completely safe.
Veterinary clinic – easily accessible and quick help
Our clinics connected to Arken Zoo (among others in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Uppsala) are perfect for those of you who can quickly get away from home to submit collected stool samples, get prescriptions or do a basic examination for uncomplicated diarrhea.
Animal clinic – fully equipped for major examinations
When stomach problems are long-standing, serious or difficult to assess, our Gastro Clinic at Djurkliniken Östermalm is the safest choice. Unlike a home visit, we have access to advanced imaging diagnostics (X-rays and ultrasound), which may be required to take a closer look at the intestines if the stool sample does not provide all the answers.
What can Vetathome do when you need to investigate stomach problems?
Chronic stomach problems often cause a lot of stress for both animals and owners. Through our flexible options, we significantly reduce anxiety. Whether we meet at home or at one of our clinics or clinics, we make sure to quickly begin an investigation.
Identify
We carefully review the animal's medical history and perform a clinical examination of the general condition and abdomen. Together with the collected stool sample, we find out whether the problems are due to parasites or, for example, an imbalance in the intestine.
Treat
If we find worms, we prescribe an effective and targeted deworming agent immediately. In case of mild, non-parasitic stomach problems, we introduce a gentle diet and support for the intestine. We always adjust the treatment plan according to the findings and the individual.
Prevent
We give you personalized advice on good hygiene, deworming routines and supportive probiotics for small animals.
This is how the examination for a stool sample goes step by step
1. Booking
You book an appointment and collect some stool yourself in a clean bag from three different days and store it in the refrigerator before we meet.
2. Arrival
We visit the animal at home, at the clinic or at a veterinary clinic, without rushing and completely at the animal's own pace.
3. Investigation
We perform a clinical examination and gently feel the abdomen, listen to the intestines and ensure that the animal has not become severely dehydrated.
4. Action
We will receive your collected sample. Some tests are performed immediately, otherwise the sample is sent to an external laboratory for thorough analysis.
5. Plan and referral
We will create a plan for diet or supportive treatment while waiting for the test results, and will contact you as soon as the results are ready.
Do you have more questions?
Contact our customer service and we will help you further.
When is a home visit not enough?
A stool sample and a thorough examination on site will resolve most parasite issues and minor stomach problems. However, we do not perform abdominal incisions, 24/7 IV drips, or advanced imaging diagnostics (such as abdominal X-rays or abdominal ultrasounds) in the field.
When clinic or animal hospital is better
- Severely affected general condition
- The dog or cat has dark, black or coffee grounds-like stools (signs of bleeding in the stomach).
- The animal is extremely lethargic, cannot get up and is neither eating nor drinking.
- The dog or cat vomits continuously and cannot retain water.
Symptoms and early signs of parasites and stomach upset
The most common sign that something is wrong with the stomach is that you notice a change in the animal's stool. These can manifest as persistent diarrhea, loose stools, or the stool changing color and consistency for no apparent reason. Sometimes you only notice single episodes, but there can also be a gradual deterioration where the animal seems to have difficulty digesting its food properly.
What does it look like and how does it feel? Symptoms of internal parasites can vary greatly, from a bloated and tense abdomen to the animal losing muscle over the back and hindquarters. When you feel the animal's body, the body often feels more angular even though the appetite is normal. In some cases, the animal may show clear discomfort when the stomach is touched, while in other cases it may seem completely unaffected but still lose condition and energy.
Early signs: In the early stages, parasitic infestations are rarely acute and the animal usually does not react with severe pain when you feel its belly. However, it is important to know that over time the intestine can become both inflamed and ulcerated, especially if the worm burden grows rapidly or if single-celled parasites such as Giardia take hold. If the infection is allowed to develop, the animal may begin to "sled" on its butt and in later stages the coat may become dull and shaggy.
In case of exacerbation: If the parasites have significantly affected the animal's general condition, you may notice other symptoms. These may include dehydration and pale mucous membranes, but also more diffuse signs such as extreme fatigue, persistent coughing, weight loss or growth disorders in young animals. If the animal has a severe imbalance, it may show this by completely stopping eating, vomiting or withdrawing from touch and social interaction.
If you find signs of stomach upset, even if the animal seems alert and eating as usual, a stool sample should always be assessed by a veterinarian.
Stomach upset and parasites in cats – important differences
Because cats are both predators and prey, they hide their symptoms of illness until the very end. The hidden suffering of stomach problems often manifests itself in the cat stopping to wash itself, sleeping more than usual or hiding under furniture. Pay extreme attention to the litter box; if the cat suddenly starts to poop outside the box, it is not a behavioral problem for being stupid, but a clear warning flag that something is not right. If your cat has not eaten or drunk at all for over 24 hours, it is a time-critical condition that can lead to life-threatening injuries if not sought care in a timely manner.
When should I contact a vet for a stool sample – and when is it an emergency?
If your pet has stomach problems or is losing weight, your concern is always justified, and you know your friend best. In the case of mild, recurring diarrhea or suspected worms, a scheduled home visit or a visit to one of our clinics is often enough to provide samples and receive a thorough examination. The red flags that require immediate emergency medical care are if the animal has bloody vomiting, black stools, extreme lethargy or shows signs of violent colic. Quality of life always comes first - an upset stomach drastically lowers the animal's well-being and should not be ignored.
Diagnosis: how do you know if the animal has worms?
Finding the right cause of stomach problems is a methodical puzzle to ensure the animal's health.
- Clinical examination - We examine the entire animal, feel its abdomen and assess its general condition.
- Medical history and observations - We go through the animal's history and your own observations from everyday life.
- Stool sample analysis - We analyze the sample to find or rule out parasites and infections.
- Imaging diagnostics and referral - If necessary, we easily refer to our own clinic or to another referrer.
Treatment of parasites and stomach upset in dogs
We create a safe and effective action plan based on symptoms and test results. If the analysis shows worms, we immediately send an electronic prescription for the right deworming agent. If it is an imbalance in the dog's intestinal flora, we recommend specific gentle food and supportive probiotics.
The time afterwards – healing and follow-up
Once treatment is underway, hygiene is crucial. Carefully pick up all feces outside, wash your dog's bedding and make sure he always has access to fresh water. Different parasites require different levels of cleaning, some may require home sanitation, we will guide you according to your specific needs.
Treating parasites and stomach upset in cats at home
Many cats are extremely sensitive to the stress of transport, which can aggravate an already upset stomach. Therefore, it is often optimal to have us examine the cat and collect the stool sample directly from home. Treatment then consists of a tailored deworming agent or a very gentle gastrointestinal diet.
Prognosis and expectations for stool tests and stomach complaints
When the stomach upsets, the entire general condition can be affected, but the outlook for the future with the correct diagnosis is very good. In the case of uncomplicated parasitic infestations or mild imbalances in the intestinal flora, the prognosis for full recovery is excellent.
- Identification of parasite – the correct analysis allows us to use exactly the right medicine immediately.
- Good sanitation at home – careful hygiene breaks the chain of infection and prevents the animal from becoming reinfected.
- Early detection – taking samples when there are signs of unexplained weight loss saves the animal's energy.
The prognosis for dogs
In the case of uncomplicated parasitic infestations or mild imbalances in the intestinal flora, the prognosis is excellent. With the right deworming medication or diet, the animal quickly regains its weight, shiny coat and normal stools.
The prognosis for cat
Cats usually recover very quickly from parasitic infestations when the right medication is administered. The stomach stabilizes and the voracious appetite returns to normal and healthy routines.
Quality of life always comes first
Our primary goal is a calm and problem-free everyday life for your animal. Whether the stomach problems are due to an incurable chronic illness or a long-standing age-related change that completely disrupts the absorption of nutrients, we have an empathetic and honest dialogue with you. Sometimes the last loving decision is to let the animal fall asleep peacefully at home, before the suffering becomes too great.
Pictures of worms in poop – so you can examine them yourself at home
Many people google ”what do worms look like” and find unpleasant images online. The truth is, however, that parasites and eggs are almost never visible to the naked eye. While waiting for the vet visit, you can investigate this yourself:
- Look at the stool: Look for mucus, fresh (red) blood, or dark coffee grounds-like contents, but don't jump to conclusions if it looks "normal." Take a picture to show the vet.
- Feel the hole.: Feel the sides of the rib cage. If the ribs suddenly feel much more prominent, the animal is losing muscle mass and weight.
- Save and store: Collect stool in a plastic bag from different occasions and store in the refrigerator before your visit.
Prevention - can you reduce the risk of parasites?
We strongly advise against routine deworming ”just in case”, as it creates dangerous drug resistance in the parasites. Instead, you can prevent it through good routines:
- Avoid consuming other animals' feces: Some dogs may enjoy eating other animals' feces. This can spread parasites, so try to avoid letting your dog eat other animals' feces.
- Always pick up: Always pick up your dog's feces outdoors to prevent the spread of worms and giardia to other animals.
- Support the intestinal flora: During feed changes or stressful periods, you can give supportive, veterinary probiotics to maintain a strong stomach.
Cost, insurance and compensation
We will help you with direct settlement with your insurance company. Please note that insurance often covers the examination if the animal is sick, but rarely reimburses routine stool samples or over-the-counter deworming agents. The cost of the analysis itself varies depending on which laboratory is used and how extensive the test is.
Basic examination & Stool test
The first visit where we examine the animal's general condition, perform a clinical examination, and handle the collected stool sample for analysis.
Usually covered by insurance
Yes, if your animal is sick (e.g. with diarrhea or weight loss) it is usually covered. However, the insurance does not cover routine health checks.
How do I collect a stool sample from my dog or cat?
Most samples must be sent to an external laboratory, which means that the test results will take some time. If the analysis shows worms, we will immediately send you an electronic prescription for the correct deworming agent (which is included in the visit).
Price from:
1 700/kr
Veterinary consultation home visit (Stockholm
2150 SEK
Veterinary consultation Animal Clinic Östermalm
1750 SEK
Veterinary consultation evening/weekend (Stockholm)
2350 SEK
Stool test/faeces test
From 1700 SEK
30+ years
experience
200k+
Visit
How do I collect a stool sample from my dog or cat?
You collect a lump of stool (the size of a walnut) from three different bowel movements on three different days. Seal tightly.
Do I have to store the stool sample in the refrigerator?
Yes, it is incredibly important for the result. Always store the bag in a refrigerator until the visit, otherwise the heat can cause worm eggs to hatch and ruin the entire analysis.
Can you analyze the stool sample directly at home?
We can perform some rapid tests, such as for giardia, directly on site at the clinic. However, for a complete and 100% analysis of parasite eggs, we send the sample to a specialized laboratory.
Why shouldn't you deworm your animal just to be safe?
Overuse of deworming agents leads to parasites developing life-threatening resistance and becoming immune to the medication. We only treat animals that we have proven to carry a parasite burden.
Are worm eggs always visible in a dog's or cat's poop?
No, worm eggs and single-celled parasites are completely microscopic. They can only be detected by experts who analyze the sample under a microscope in a laboratory.
What do I do if I see a long worm in my poop?
If you see something that looks like spaghetti in the stool, your pet probably has roundworms. Take a picture and book a consultation with us so we can examine your pet and prescribe the right prescription medication.
Is giardia common in dogs and cats in Sweden?
Yes, giardia is a very common and persistent cause of slimy and recurring diarrhea in small animals. It is easily transmitted, especially among puppies and dogs that live in close environments.
Are animal internal parasites contagious to humans?
Some parasites, such as roundworms from small animals, can rarely infect humans, so good hand hygiene, especially for children playing on the ground or in sandboxes, is always important.
Will I receive a prescription for deworming medication directly during your visit?
Yes, if our examination and sample analysis determines that your animal is suffering from a parasitic infestation, we will immediately prescribe the correct prescription deworming medication.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Here you can read some of the most common questions and answers that we often receive from our customers.
Personal animal care in safe environments – Home visits, clinic & reception
We cooperate with all insurance companies
VetAtHome offers both clinic visits, home visits and visits to our veterinary practices – what is best depends on your animal's needs and what feels most convenient for you. We work with all insurance companies, making it easy to get help regardless of your insurance coverage.
