How to get a worm test for a cat and dog

27 June 2023

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How to Properly Submit a Fecal Test for Worms in Cats and Dogs

One of the most important elements in preventing parasitic diseases in pets is correct and timely diagnosis. Worms and protozoa often show no obvious symptoms, and clinical signs — digestive disorders, weight loss, dull coat, or behavioral changes — appear only when the body is significantly affected. That’s why fecal analysis remains the gold standard for the initial detection of parasitic infestations in cats and dogs.

Modern veterinary protocols recommend such tests not only when infestation is suspected, but also regularly as part of preventive care. This allows detection of infection at early stages, selection of precise treatment, avoidance of unnecessary use of dewormers, and minimization of health risks for the animal.

In this article, we’ll explain how to properly collect, store, and submit fecal samples, which laboratory methods are used, why a repeat test is sometimes needed, and how to interpret results together with a veterinarian. This will help pet owners take a more conscious approach to their pet’s health and effectively control parasitic diseases.

How to Properly Collect, Store, and Submit Fecal Samples from Dogs and Cats

Correct sample collection is the key to accurate and informative results. Even the most advanced laboratory methods will be ineffective if the sample is collected or stored improperly. Below are clear veterinary recommendations to help you get the most reliable results.

1. How to Properly Collect a Fecal Sample

Use a clean tool:

	Spatula, disposable spoon, or scoop that hasn’t been in contact with detergents or soil.
Collect immediately after defecation:

	The sample must be fresh, ideally collected within 20–30 minutes after the pet uses the toilet.
Amount of feces to collect:

	Optimally — 1–2 teaspoons.

	Take portions from different parts of the stool, as worm eggs and protozoan oocysts are often unevenly distributed.
Use a clean container:

	Use a sterile specimen container with a tight lid (available at pharmacies).

	Plastic bags, matchboxes, or foil are unacceptable.

2. Specifics of Collection for Cats and Dogs

For cats:

Avoid feces that have come into contact with litter, especially silica gel — it distorts results.
If the litter is fine and cannot be separated, temporarily place a disposable bag or clean tray without litter.

3. How to Properly Store the Sample

The sooner, the better:

	Deliver the sample to the lab within 2–3 hours after collection.
If immediate delivery isn’t possible:
	Store the container in the refrigerator at +2…+8°C, no longer than 8–12 hours.
Do not freeze — freezing destroys the structure of eggs and oocysts, making the test unreliable.

	
Avoid overheating:

	Samples left at room temperature or in the sun quickly lose diagnostic value.

4. How to Properly Submit the Sample to the Lab

Label the container:

	Write the pet’s name, date, and time of collection.
Provide additional details:

	Inform the vet or lab technician:
	when the last deworming was done;
whether there are symptoms (diarrhea, mucus, blood);
whether the pet goes outdoors;
age and breed (especially important for small breeds).

	
If multiple tests are ordered:

	Some tests (e.g., for protozoa) may require 3 samples collected 24 hours apart — this increases diagnostic sensitivity.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using a plastic bag instead of a sterile container.
Feces in contact with litter (most common cause of false negatives in cats).
Storage at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
Freezing the sample.
Collecting feces right after deworming — may give false-negative results.

What to Do If You Also Need a Dysbacteriosis Test

Fecal analysis for dysbacteriosis (microbiological study) has special requirements because live microorganisms must be preserved. This test evaluates the balance of beneficial and conditionally pathogenic flora, detects bacterial overgrowth, yeast, or consequences of antibiotic therapy. Therefore, collection and transport differ from standard worm testing.

1. Which Container to Use for Dysbacteriosis

A special tube with transport medium is required

	Usually a tube with preservative or medium that keeps bacteria viable.

	Such tubes are issued or sold by veterinary labs/clinics.
Some labs allow a sterile plastic container only if:
	the sample will be delivered within 1 hour;
PCR testing is performed, not culture.

	

Always clarify lab requirements in advance — they may vary.

2. How to Collect a Sample for Culture

Use a sterile spatula or swab from the tube kit.
Take about 1 g (pea-sized amount).
Avoid contact with floor, sand, litter, or other surfaces.

3. Timing and Transport Conditions

Preserving live bacteria is critical for dysbacteriosis testing.

Rules:

deliver within 2 hours of collection;
transport medium tube can be refrigerated up to 12 hours (+2…+8°C) if allowed by lab instructions;
do not freeze or overheat;
do not store at room temperature for long.

4. Specifics for Cats

Since cat feces often contact litter:

temporarily remove litter and use a clean tray;
or use a disposable liner so feces don’t touch granules.

5. What Not to Do Before Testing

give antibiotics 7–10 days before collection;
submit feces within 3–5 days after deworming.

What to Do If the Dog or Cat Has Chronic Diarrhea and It’s Hard to Collect a Sample

In animals with chronic diarrhea, obtaining a suitable sample can be challenging. Liquid stool loses structure quickly, absorbs into bedding, mixes with litter, or there simply isn’t enough material. In such cases, it’s important not only to organize collection properly but also to temporarily stabilize stool consistency so the test is informative.

1. Create conditions for the cleanest possible collection

For cats:

temporarily remove litter and use a clean tray;
use a disposable smooth liner that doesn’t absorb liquid;
in severe diarrhea, place a sterile pad underneath.

For dogs:

during walks, use a clean pad that can be spread at the moment of defecation;
or collect immediately after defecation before it soaks into the ground.

2. Temporarily stabilize stool consistency for testing

When diarrhea is prolonged, it’s hard to get a sample even under ideal conditions. In such cases, adding HePawSyn supplement for 1–2 days is helpful — a gentle supportive product that does not mask parasites or distort worm/protozoa test results but helps form stool.

3. Points to note during use

this supplement creates conditions for proper sample collection;
in acute diarrhea with blood, vomiting, lethargy, or dehydration — contact a vet immediately;
whether to continue the supplement after collection is decided by the vet based on diagnosis;
do not use if bacterial culture/dysbacteriosis testing is required.

4. Recommendations for maximally effective collection

Collect immediately after defecation.
Avoid material mixed with litter or soil.
Use a sterile container.
If testing for dysbacteriosis — prepare a special transport medium tube in advance.

Laboratory Methods for Diagnosing Worms in Veterinary Medicine

Several approaches exist in veterinary practice for detecting worms and protozoa, differing in sensitivity and complexity.

Classic microscopy and flotation methods

	The simplest and most common — direct smear or fecal flotation. Detects roundworm and tapeworm eggs and protozoan oocysts. Pros: affordable and inexpensive; cons: relatively low sensitivity in light infestations.
Parasep method

	Modern standard for vet labs combining flotation with parasite concentration. Detects even small numbers of eggs/oocysts, increasing accuracy and reducing false negatives.
Immunoenzymatic and molecular methods (ELISA, PCR)

	Most advanced — not only detect parasites but identify species precisely. ELISA detects antibodies/antigens, PCR detects minimal parasite DNA. Essential for complex or atypical infestations and early diagnosis.

Blog Summary

Proper prevention and diagnosis of parasitic diseases in cats and dogs is a comprehensive process:

regular deworming and external parasite treatment;
correct fecal collection and storage according to test purpose;
liver and immune support during and after treatment;
use of modern lab methods for accurate parasite detection.

Following these principles not only protects your pet from parasites but also preserves their health, activity, and quality of life. Timely diagnosis is the key to effective treatment and peace of mind for the owner.

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