Intestinal Parasites and Your Puppy

Fecal testing is important! In Florida, it is very common for pets to become infected with intestinal parasites. Many dogs do not show any symptoms of infection, and worms are not always evident in the stool. Intestinal worms can only be diagnosed with a microscopic examination of your pet's feces in a laboratory. Fecal screenings should be performed on all puppies at their first visit and then routine yearly testing.

Countryside’s fecal parasite testing protocol yields at least 2 patients a day testing positive for hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, giardia, or coccidia.

That’s 1 in 10 adult dogs and 50% of puppies!

Intestinal parasites are contagious to other pets and people. Make sure to pick up stool and don't walk barefoot or let children play in areas where pets defecate.