Shortcuts

Fecal Dx antigen testing

The importance of fecal testing

What makes fecal testing so important?

Parasites are an ongoing hazard to the health of both pets and sometimes their human family members. Pets can be at risk simply by being outside. Some parasites can burrow into a pet’s feet or skin. Pets can also swallow parasites while grooming, nursing, or eating contaminated soil or feces. Regular fecal testing can help detect parasites sooner, which means earlier treatment and better outcomes.

Fighting the war on parasites.

Speech bubble Icon

Share CAPC recommendations with pet parents.

When clients understand the dangers parasites can pose to their pets, and even to their family members, they are more likely to be in favor of regular parasite screenings.

Calendar Icon

Recommend year-round, broad-spectrum parasite control.

CAPC recommends fecal screening at least twice a year for adult pets but at least four times during the first year of life.4

Fast clock Icon

Diagnose and treat infections earlier with Fecal Dx antigen testing.

Fecal antigen testing can identify infections that can be missed by other methods. CAPC recommends including fecal antigen testing to diagnose infections, treat patients earlier, and reinforce the proper use of parasite-control products.4

View CAPC prevalence maps

Dog parks are a parasite playground.

A dog park fecal study5 conducted in Edmonton, Alberta, revealed the high risk of exposure to intestinal parasites and confirms the need to test and protect even well-cared-for dogs. This study was conducted in 7 dedicated off-leash dog parks in the Edmonton metropolitan area. What was the result?

12.4 percent.

of dogs on a yearly parasite/heartworm preventive tested positive across all parasites.⁵

1 in 10 dogs tested positive for at least 1 intestinal parasite.⁵

Fecal Dx antigen testing is an effective way to catch parasite infections missed by the microscope, and even in dogs and cats receiving preventives. Read the study (U.S.) >

Webinars

Our educational resources include a variety of courses, webinars, and videos about the importance and benefits of fecal testing.

Focus on Fecal Testing

View webinar

Fecal Antigen Testing: A Brief Overview

View webinar

Why Poop Matters—Fecal Dx and Parasite Testing

View webinar

Parasites Found: Results of the National DoGPaRCS Study (U.S.)

View webinar

View all webinars

Complete this form to have an IDEXX sales representative contact you

References

  1. Elsemore D, Bezold T, Geng J, Hanna R, Tyrrell P, Beall M. Immunoassay for detection of Dipylidium caninum coproantigen in dogs and cats. J Vet Diagn Invest. 2023;35(6):671–678. doi:10.1177/10406387231189193
  2. Elsemore DA, Geng J, Flynn L, Cruthers L, Lucio-Forster A, Bowman DD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for coproantigen detection of Trichuris vulpis in dogs. J Vet Diagn Invest. 2014;26(3):404–411. doi:10.1177/1040638714528500
  3. Elsemore DA, Geng J, Cote J, Hanna R, Lucio-Forster A, Bowman DD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for coproantigen detection of Ancylostoma caninum and Toxocara canis in dogs and Toxocara cati in cats. J Vet Diagn Invest. 2017;29(5):645–653. doi:10.1177/1040638717706098
  4. Companion Animal Parasite Council. General guidelines for dogs and cats. September 16, 2022. Accessed February 19, 2024. www.capcvet.org/guidelines/general-guidelines
  5. Data on file at IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. Westbrook, Maine USA.