Fecals

Fecal Testing at the Animal Care Center of NH

We have Partnered with Canine Lab Testing/Antech Labs

Fecals start March 1, 2026

We now have the ability to run a fecal for everyone when the need arises without you, the owner, having to worry about it.  We will add the cost to your monthly invoice when it is needed.  We will always let you know before.

Antech Labs is the same nationally certified veterinary laboratory that many vets use.

We will still accept your Fecal with Giardia ELISA Antigen Test or PCR Panels tests from our veterinarian but want to offer this at the Animal Center if your forget or do not have time to run a stool sample to your veterinarian. 

Cost

• Cost will be located in Add Ons for Animal Care Center reservations online or in Fee Schedule

Why did we decide to add this as a service

• We know that you have very busy lives and it is easy to forget to bring a sample when you go for vaccines and even harder to go back again to drop it off.  We are hoping this will help take one thing off your to do list

Test that will be done

• Fecal with Giardia ELISA Antigen test
• Results in 1-2 business days.
• Why are we not doing the PCR Panel test
  • Unfortunately, it is not available to us as a non veterinary facility

When are Fecals Required

• Fecals will be required yearly with those who have had TWO consecutive negatives in the past two years
  • Puppies that are negative with first fecal will have a second fecal in 6 months due to puppies susceptible to parasites, then yearly
• POSITIVE TESTS
  • Those with any positive tests will be required to do a fecal every 6 months and will go to every year, once they have two consecutive negatives.
  • If your pet comes back POSITIVE, then you will be instructed to see further treatment from your veterinarian.
  • Follow our Protocol for a Positive fecal found in the Service Agreement
    • https://profpetsit.com/positive-fecal-test/

How to collect a GOOD fecal sample

• TIMING – Watch your pet go to the bathroom
• METHOD – Use a plastic spoon and ziploc(ideally.
  • No spoon, invert the ziploc bag over your hand like a glove and pick up a teaspoon size.  Then pull the bag over and off your hand and seal he bag.
  • CONTAMINATION – Avoid picking up dirt, gravel, grass or other contaminants
• AMOUNT – Only a small amount—about 1 teaspoon—is needed.
• STORAGE – Seal the container tightly and refrigerate if not delivering immediately – within a few hours that day).
  • Do not freeze.
• SAFETY: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling 

Does your dog have NORMAL Stools

• Now is the time to make sure that your dogs are having normal stools. All stools should be formed and easy to pick up in a poop bag.  If your dog has soft stool or liquid diarrhea a few times, we will alert you, so you can do something to correct the problem.
• We can also suggest a fecal.
• If negative, we suggest working with your veterinarian to bring your pup back to normal formed stools.
• It is not good for dogs to have soft or liquid stools for more than 24 hours.
• See chart below to determine a healthy stool for your dog
• Here is a great article to learn more –
  • https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/dogs/health/digestion/guide-to-dog-poop
• 

ADD Fiber to diet

• If you see that your dog is having soft stool and they are acting normal otherwise, add pumpkin to their diet.  Give a good tablespoon dollop on top of their food.  They can have that once a day ongoing, if they like it.
• Canned Squash is also a great additive
• You can speak with your veterinarian about what fiber supplement to add, such as metamucil

To give some probiotics,

• I give my large dogs (50# and 85#) a big tablespoon dollop of regular Market Basket whole milk Yogurt (in the red/white tub). Give according to the size of your dog.
  • Make sure it is plain and unflavored (no added sugars, especially xylitol- deadly).
  • Yogurt is given to my dogs every evening in their dinner. Yogurt also provides calcium and protein along with the probiotics. For most dogs, yogurt with active cultures, will improve the flora in the intestines and help with mild diarrhea, if they have it.
• Caution – If your dog is lactose intolerant or has a sensitive stomach, this may cause gas or other symptoms, please do not give or consult your veterinarian before giving.

Diet is the biggest reason that many dogs do not have Ideal Stools

• Your dog may have a sensitivity or allergy to an ingredient.
• If your dog has a soft stool for more than 2 days, there may be an issue and you should consult your veterinarian

Health Concerns with long term soft stools

• Long-term soft stool in dogs can indicate chronic underlying issues like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), pancreatitis, liver disease, or severe food sensitivities. It risks dehydration, malnutrition, and anal gland impaction, requiring a veterinary check-up
• Potential Underlying Health Concerns

• • Chronic Inflammatory Conditions: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a primary concern, causing chronic intestinal inflammation.
  • Organ Dysfunction: Pancreatitis or liver disease can directly affect digestion and lead to persistent soft stools.
  • Malabsorption/Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI): The body is unable to absorb nutrients correctly, often causing chronic diarrhea.
  • Parasites & Infections: Persistent parasites (like Giardia) or bacterial infections (e.g., Salmonella).
  • Chronic Food Sensitivities: Ongoing reactions to specific protein sources or ingredients.
  • Dysbiosis: A persistent imbalance in gut bacteria. 

• Complications and Risks

• • Anal Gland Issues: Soft stools do not provide enough pressure to empty anal glands, leading to impaction or infection.
  • Chronic Dehydration: Long-term, loose stools can lead to fluid imbalances.
  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Malabsorption can cause weight loss and poor coat quality. 

• When to See a Veterinarian
  • Vomiting or loss of appetite.
  • Blood in the stool (red or black/tarry).
  • Lethargy or depression.