Glossary

Fecal test

A laboratory check of a dog's stool for parasite eggs and organisms such as roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and Giardia.

Also called: fecal exam, stool test, fecal flotation, stool sample, parasite check, fecal float

In a fecal test, a vet or lab examines a stool sample for signs of intestinal parasites. The usual method is flotation, which makes eggs of worms such as roundworm, hookworm and whipworm float to the top of a solution so they can be seen under a microscope. Separate antigen tests find Giardia and some other parasites that flotation can miss.

Puppies are tested several times, adult dogs usually once or twice a year, and any dog with diarrhea, weight loss or a bloated belly should be checked. One negative result does not always rule out parasites, since worms shed eggs on and off.

Bring a fresh sample, ideally from the same day, in a clean sealed bag. A fecal test does not detect heartworm, which needs a blood test. Prompt pickup of stool also protects people and other dogs.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

In the index now

Related terms

Roundworm A common intestinal worm that often infects puppies, frequently from the mother, and can pass to people, especially children. Giardia A microscopic intestinal parasite picked up from contaminated water or feces that can cause soft, greasy diarrhea, mainly in puppies. Whipworm A parasite of the large intestine whose eggs stay in soil for years and which can cause chronic, mucus-covered diarrhea in dogs. Wellness exam A routine, nose-to-tail check-up of a healthy dog that updates vaccines, screens for hidden problems and tracks weight over time.