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The stool tests or stool analysis are an essential diagnostic tool for detecting the presence of intestinal parasites, digestive disturbances and infections in dogs and cats. These tests allow the identification of problems that do not always produce obvious symptoms and are key in preventive medicine as well as in the study of diarrhoea or other digestive disorders.
At Benivet Benissa We perform stool analysis as part of routine check-ups, deworming protocols or diagnostic studies, always interpreting the results according to the clinical condition and history of each pet.
Benivet Benissa - Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa -
M-F 9:30-18:30 - S 10:00-13:00
At Benivet Benissawe carry out coprological analyses to detect intestinal parasites, infections and digestive disorders in dogs and cats. This test is key to preventing diseases that can seriously affect your pet's well-being and, in some cases, human health as well.
Our team examines stool samples using advanced techniques to identify giardias, intestinal worms, coccidia or other pathogenic organisms. We also evaluate the state of digestion and the gut microbiotaThis allows us to detect imbalances even in asymptomatic animals.
This test usually complements other examinations within our general enquiries or in preventive plans for internal medicine. In addition, it allows fine-tuning of the deworming regimen adapted to each case, especially if accompanied by persistent diarrhoeaweight loss or digestive discomfort.
At Benivet Benissa, we look after your pet's digestive health with accurate coprological analyses.
Coprological tests can detect parasites and digestive disorders that do not always produce obvious symptoms.
A negative result means that no parasites, eggs, cysts or antigens have been detected in the sample analysed. However, this does not always rule out an intestinal infection entirely.
Some parasites are not consistently shed in the faeces. For this reason, a sample taken at a particular time may not contain a sufficient quantity to be detected, even if the animal is infected.
In certain cases, particularly where there is recurrent diarrhoea or a suspected Giardia, it may be necessary to analyse several samples taken on different days or to combine different diagnostic techniques.
The result may depend on several factors:
Collection time: Some parasites shed eggs, cysts or other forms intermittently.
Sample quantity: An insufficient sample size may limit the study.
Conservation: The elapsed time, the temperature and the container used may affect certain elements.
Stage of infection: There may be parasites that are not yet producing detectable eggs.
Technique used: Not all tests detect the same parasites, nor do they all have the same sensitivity.
Recent treatments: The administration of antiparasitic drugs or antibiotics may temporarily alter the results.
Irregular distribution: Parasites are not always distributed evenly throughout the faeces.
The result should therefore be interpreted in conjunction with the symptoms, the history of worming, the dog’s lifestyle and the findings of the veterinary examination.
The veterinary team may recommend samples of different types of faeces when:
The diarrhoea comes and goes.
The symptoms persist despite an initial negative result.
There is a suspicion of Giardia or another parasite that is intermittently excreted.
The pet has been in contact with an infected animal.
Lives in, or has recently been in, a boarding kennel, animal shelter or breeding centre.
Visit parks, rural areas or places where there are lots of animals.
It is a puppy or kitten with digestive problems.
It is necessary to monitor progress following treatment.
Do not mix samples from different days in the same container unless the veterinary team has instructed you to do so. Ask how many samples you need, how you should label them and how to store them until they are handed in.
There is no single technique that is suitable for all situations. Depending on the suspected parasite and the symptoms, the following may be used:
Direct microscopic examination.
Faecal flotation.
Concentration techniques.
Specific antigen tests.
PCR techniques.
Cultures or other specialised tests.
Flotation enables the detection of eggs, oocysts and other structures from various parasites. Antigen or PCR tests may improve the detection of certain infections, but they only identify the organisms included in each test.
For this reason, it may be necessary to combine techniques in some patients. The Companion Animal Parasite Council’s guidelines state that the choice of technique should be tailored to the size and quality of the sample, the symptoms and the suspected parasites.
A positive result should be interpreted as follows:
The parasite has been identified.
The extent or severity of the finding.
The animal’s age and state of health.
The presence or absence of symptoms.
Living alongside other animals.
The risk of reinfection.
The presence of children or vulnerable people in the home.
Previous treatments.
The team will advise you whether it is necessary to start treatment, review the protection of other animals in the household or take additional hygiene measures.
The standard must be set by the veterinary deworming. Not all products are effective against the same parasites, and the dose must be adjusted according to the animal’s weight, species and clinical condition.
See also How to tell if your pet has internal or external parasites.
Yes. Some infected dogs and cats do not show symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting or weight loss, particularly when the parasite load is low or they are in good general health.
Even if there are no symptoms, the result may be significant because:
The possibility of transmitting the parasite to other animals.
The risk of environmental pollution.
Living with puppies, sick animals or vulnerable people.
The possibility of symptoms developing at a later stage.
The need to review the prevention guidelines.
The decision on how to treat and manage the infection is tailored to the pathogen identified, the risk of transmission and the patient’s characteristics.
There is no single time frame that applies to all parasites and all tests. The interval depends on:
The organism has been identified.
The medicine used.
The duration of treatment.
The progression of symptoms.
The chosen diagnostic technique.
The risk of reinfection.
Some tests may continue to show a positive result for some time after treatment, even though the animal no longer shows any symptoms. For this reason, follow-up testing should be carried out using the method and at the time specified by the veterinary team.
Do not repeat the treatment on your own simply because your stools are still loose. Persistent diarrhoea may also be caused by dietary, inflammatory, infectious or metabolic factors.
If no parasites are detected and the symptoms persist, it may be necessary to carry out further investigations.
The following steps may include:
A veterinary practice to review the patient’s progress, diet, treatments and any other possible symptoms.
A blood tests if there is weight loss, a fever, dehydration or fatigue.
A veterinary ultrasound to examine the bowel and abdominal organs.
Tests specific to certain infections.
An assessment of veterinary nutrition when a food reaction is suspected or the diet may be affecting the symptoms.
A study from veterinary internal medicine in cases of chronic diarrhoea, weight loss or situations requiring a more comprehensive approach.
A normal coprological analysis does not mean that the symptoms are not significant. It means that a decision must be made as to whether the sample should be retaken, a different technique used, or other causes investigated.
When an intestinal parasite is detected, treatment may require additional measures to reduce contamination of the environment:
Collect the faeces as soon as possible.
Wash your hands after handling them.
Clean sandpits and rest areas regularly.
Prevent your pet from drinking stagnant water.
Prevent them from eating faeces, animal remains or food found on the ground.
Examine any other animals living in the household where appropriate.
Follow a pest control plan tailored to your lifestyle.
Follow the specific instructions for the identified parasite.
Take a look at our guide to How often should you treat a dog or cat for worms?.
Does your pet suffer from recurrent diarrhoea, or do you need to have a stool test carried out? Book an appointment at Benivet Benissa or call +34 622 325 271.
Benivet Benissa
Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa, Alicante
Telephone: +34 622 325 271
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 18:30; Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:00.
The coprological tests / stool analysis are indicated when we need to identify the cause of digestive problems or confirm/stop suspected parasites. They are especially useful if there are recurrent or persistent diarrhoeastools with mucus or bloodIn puppies/kittens, gas, weight loss, associated vomiting or in puppies/kittens with unstable digestion. At Benivet Benissa, depending on the case, we can recommend the following tests only when they provide useful information:
Veterinary practice in BenissaThe following is the most important aspect: complete examination, clinical history (diet, recent changes, access to the outside world) and decision on the most appropriate study.
Veterinary dewormingto adjust the preventive plan and treatment if parasites are detected (and review schedules according to lifestyle).
Blood testsif there is weakness, fever, weight loss, dehydration or suspicion of systemic involvement.
Veterinary ultrasoundwhen there is abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, chronic diarrhoea or weight loss and we need to assess bowel and abdominal organs.
Veterinary nutritionif we suspect food intolerance/allergy, recurrent diarrhoea due to diet or need a digestive diet plan with follow-up.
If the problem is recurring, chronic or requires a comprehensive approach, we coordinate the plan from veterinary internal medicine to decide on the best study and control protocol.
If your pet has had diarrhoea for several days, it recurs frequently or there is blood/mucus, request an appointment here or call +34 622 325 271.
According to the DGT, when travelling with your pet in the car, you must place a separator to prevent your pet from distracting you and
Only a veterinarian can assess the health status of the animals, taking also into account other circumstances such as the type of
Domestic or companion animals, particularly those belonging to the canine species, shall also be classified as potentially dangerous,
Coprological tests can identify internal parasites (giardia, coccidia, ascaris, hookworms, etc.), parasitic eggs and cysts, blood residues, digestive disorders, abnormal bacteria and, in some cases, signs of intestinal inflammation. It is an essential tool for prevention and digestive diagnosis.
It is recommended in cases of diarrhoea, recurrent loose stools, vomiting, weight loss, anal itching, previous infestations, or living with children or immunocompromised individuals. It is also advised as annual preventive testeven in animals without symptoms.
The sample must be as fresh as possibleideally collected within the last 12 hours. It is taken with gloves, placed in a clean, closed container, and kept refrigerated if not delivered immediately. A small amount (1-2 teaspoons) is sufficient for most tests.
Depending on the case, we carry out:
Flotation to detect parasite eggs
Specific tests for Giardia and other protozoa
Direct microscopic examination
Fecal occult blood test
Complementary analysis in an external laboratory when necessary
These techniques allow for rapid and accurate diagnosis.
In healthy pets it is recommended to at least once a year. In puppies, animals that frequent parks, hunting dogs or pets with a digestive history, it may be necessary to use each 3-6 months according to lifestyle and risk of exposure.
Not necessarily. Many intestinal parasites are treatable with specific medicationand the earlier they are detected, the easier it is to resolve the infestation. The important thing is to follow the treatment, repeat the control test when indicated and apply an appropriate preventive plan.
Do you have any doubts about care, treatment or prevention for your pet? Consult our section of Frequently Asked Questions where we solve the most common queries about dogs and cats.
