Taking your pets poop into the vet with them as part of their yearly checkup is an essential part of your pets healthcare plan. Some people may think otherwise but keep in mind that any pet at any age is at risk for getting parasites and a lot of these parasites can be transmitted to humans.

Having your pets poop sample checked 1-2 times a year is part of being a responsible pet owner.

But when, where and how do you get that poop sample successfully to the vets office?

Have no fear, that’s why Jen is here!

Here are my 5 tips on getting that all important stool sample to your vet!

1. The fresher the better. If your dogs poop has been sitting out in the back yard for 3 days, leave it there. A 3 day poop sample is not very diagnostic.  The same goes for cat poop.  A cat poop that has been sitting in the litter box for 3 days and is severely dehydrated, you know, it cracks like a stick,  is not a good sample.

2. Storage is key. If your pet has an appointment in the afternoon but only poops in the morning, that’s o.k. You can store it in your fridge, or in cooler weather, outside. Do not store it in the freezer or leave it baking in the hot sun, and for pete’s sake, do not leave it in your car.

3. Bigger is not better. Most vets and labs only need a small amount of poop to run a fecal sample. About the size of 2 sugar cubes. (double check with your vet just to be sure) You do not need to bring the whole pile of poop.

 

4. Pick your container wisely. Most vet offices should have fecal containers for you to take home and collect a sample. Other containers that work well are old pill bottles, or plastic containers. Containers that do not work well are ziploc bags-poop smashes easily. Grocery bags-leak and there is way too much room for the poop to move around and I have to stick my hand in there.(with gloves on of course) Aluminum foil works well for cat poop but not so much for dog poop-again, fresh poop smashes easily. Paper towels do not work well for obvious reasons. Poop bags are awesome but………..if you tie them with a knot at the top I can’t get into it!

5. Make sure your bringing poop. A clump of kitty urine is not going to be checked for parasites. A pile of mud may look like poop, but it is not. A stick covered in poop will be rejected. A pile of leaves with a little poop=not gonna happen.

Do you have any other tips to add? Maybe some secrets you are keeping about how you get your dogs poop to the vet? Please share!