Fecal Test for Dogs: What to Know

Published on 12/28/2025

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When you’ve taken your dog in for a veterinary checkup, chances are you have heard the veterinarian discuss a fecal test and seen a fecal sample be collected as part of the exam. A fecal test for dogs is an important part of routine veterinary care to monitor your pet’s health and ensure they stay healthy.

Here we will discuss everything you need to know about fecal tests and why they are important for your pet’s overall well-being.

What Is a Fecal Test for Dogs?

Fecal tests refer to a diagnostic procedure where a small sample of your dog’s stool is collected and tested to check for underlying health issues. These are most commonly done during routine veterinary checkups that occur annually or biannually, depending on your dog’s age. They can also be done when an underlying health concern is suspected.

Fecal tests are generally used to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial infections within the intestines. However, they can also diagnose other health issues that can compromise a dog’s well-being, such as bleeding in the stomach or intestines, cancer, inflammation, nutrient malabsorption, and protein loss due to gastrointestinal diseases.

Dog Fecal Test: Types

There are various fecal tests used in dogs. A veterinarian can determine the most appropriate one based on your dog’s condition. Possible dog fecal tests include the following:

Fecal floatation: A small sample of stool is added to a special solution that helps intestinal parasite eggs to float so they can be seen under a microscope. This test primarily looks for roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, and Giardia. Results take about 15 minutes in the veterinary clinic.
Fecal smear: A stool sample is mixed with a drop of saline and then viewed under a microscope to look for bacterial overgrowth, such as Clostridium difficile, or intestinal parasites. This is a quick test, taking only 5 to 10 minutes.
Fecal culture: A stool sample is added to special laboratory plates to see what type of bacteria grows. Since this has to be done in a special laboratory, results can take a few days.
PCR: A stool sample is sent to a laboratory to check for DNA from parasites or bacteria that could be negatively affecting the dog’s gut. It takes a few days to receive results back.
Fecal occult blood test: This test analyzes a stool sample for hidden blood that can result from cancer, inflammation, or ulcers. Results can take only a few minutes if done in the veterinary hospital, but may take a few days if sent to a laboratory.
Fecal alpha-1 protease inhibitor: This test uses stool to specifically look for protein loss that may indicate underlying chronic diseases, such as protein-losing enteropathy. Results can take a few days to receive.
SNAP: This test uses a stool sample to detect proteins (antigens) from parasites, including Giardia. It only takes 10 to 15 minutes to receive results.

Collecting a Dog Fecal Sample

A dog sitting on grass with someone holding a bag of dog poop next to the dog

Dog stool samples can be collected at home or in the veterinary hospital, depending on the preference of the pet parent and the dog’s temperament.

At home, a pet parent can use a small plastic container or bag to collect a fresh stool sample after the dog takes a potty break outside. If you are bringing the stool sample to the vet visit within 4 to 6 hours, it does not need to be refrigerated. However, if it will be longer than this, be sure to put it in the refrigerator. Dog stool samples are good for 24 hours if refrigerated.

If you cannot collect a stool sample at home, it can be done during the veterinary visit. Stool will be collected by inserting a long plastic loop into your dog’s rectum, gently rotating it, and then removing it. Collecting the sample is painless, but dogs may squirm or vocalize during collection, much like what may occur when their temperatures are taken.

Understanding Dog Fecal Test Results

Dog on examination table next to vet reviewing test results

Normal dog stool should be soft, formed, and brown in color. It should not contain any visible blood or mucus. Abnormal dog stool may be runny and contain blood, mucus, or visible parasites like tapeworms.

Abnormal results on fecal tests include any type of intestinal parasite, abnormally high numbers of bacteria, presence of blood, and excessive protein loss. These abnormal results should be addressed promptly with treatment.

Dog Fecal Test Cost

The cost of dog fecal exams varies widely depending on the type of test and the location of the veterinary practice. In general, fecal exams range between $40 and $200, with the higher estimate applying to tests that must be done in a special laboratory.

Generally, pet insurance covers the cost of fecal tests if they are done to diagnose a suspected health concern. If the fecal exam is only done as part of routine wellness care, pet insurance companies do not cover the cost. However, pet parents can elect to add-on wellness packages to their pet’s insurance to cover the cost of routine visits if desired.

Importance of Fecal Test for Dogs

Fecal tests play an essential role in keeping dogs happy and healthy. They allow veterinarians to detect and treat various health issues that can make dogs very ill, including intestinal parasites and underlying gastrointestinal disease. They essentially give veterinarians a peek into the dog’s stomach and intestines.

It is important for pet parents to follow their veterinarian’s recommendations and instructions related to fecal testing and treatment their dogs may need to resolve the underlying health concern. Any follow-up fecal testing should be done on time to determine whether additional treatment is necessary or to confirm the health issue has resolved.