Cedar Valley Dog May/June 2013 Issue #3 | Page 4

FECAL TESTING EVERY 6 MONTHS THE IMPORTANCE OF A BI-ANNUAL EXAM W W hy should my pet have a fecal test every six months? An ounce of prevention keeps the parasites away and keeps your pet and family healthy! CAPC (Companion Animal Parasite Council) recommends conducting fecal examinations two to four times during the first year of life and one to two times per year in adults, depending on patient health and lifestyle factors. Our clinic follows these guidelines and requires bi-annual fecal examinations. Although your pet hat is the importance of a bi-annual examination? Dogs and cats age faster than people, which is why it is exceedingly important for all pets, especially senior pets, to visit their veterinarian twice a year. Your pet ages approximately 7 human years per calendar year, but can vary depending on the size of your pet. This is why it is important for a veterinarian to see your pet every six months i.e. every 3.5 years of their life. Unfortunately, most pet owners learn the hard way that twice a year examinations aren't only for sick pets. The idea is to prevent illness and not wait until a pet has obvious problems. Additionally, blood work is not only needed before surgery or may be on heartworm prevention or dewormed when pets are ill, but it is important for all pets as part of a on a routine basis, parasites ALWAYS pose a complete routine wellness examination. Blood tests provide threat to your pet and family. Animal feces can your veterinarian with baseline information about your pet. If contain bacteria and parasite eggs that infect humans and pets. Infection happens when tiny amounts of animal stool containing the germs reach the mouth. People may also become accidentally infected when they touch their mouth with soiled hands. Children often have their hands in their mouths and are at higher risk of infection. To keep our facility parasite free and to keep your your pet never has wellness blood work and later develops a disease or other condition, your veterinarian has no way to know how long the problem has been present in the pet. One of the most important things you can do for your pet is to make sure they get routine veterinary examinations. Taking preventative measures ensures you catch any potential problems early; saving you money and providing better care for your pet. During a biannual examination at our clinic, we conduct a complete physical exam to check your pet’s condition from nose to tail. pet and family safe, we follow the CAPC We will evaluate everything from your pet’s heart and breathing recommended guidelines! to their ears, mouth and skin. 2020A 3rd Ave. NW Waverly IA 50677 319.483.5049