Introduction
There are several reasons why dog owners may need to collect stool samples from their pets. Vets often request fecal samples from dogs in order to check for intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, giardia and coccidia. These parasites can cause symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, dull coat, and lethargy in dogs. Fecal testing allows vets to diagnose and treat parasitic infections before they become more serious. Stool samples may also be used to test dogs for certain bacterial infections, viral diseases, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, cancer, fiber deficiency, maldigestion, and malabsorption. Additionally, breeders may test potential breeding dogs for parasites to ensure the health of puppies. Owners who show dogs or take them to dog parks/daycares may need to provide proof of a recent fecal test. So in summary, collecting and analyzing stool samples from dogs is an important diagnostic tool for monitoring canine health.
Reasons for Collecting Stool Samples
Veterinarians recommend routine stool sample testing to screen for intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and giardia that can cause illness in dogs [1]. Stool samples allow vets to diagnose parasitic infections even if dogs aren’t showing symptoms yet.
Stool samples are also used to test for bacterial infections, viral diseases, and fungal infections that affect the gastrointestinal system. By analyzing the gut microbiome in a fecal sample, vets can detect if any pathogenic organisms are present.
Fecal tests help identify food allergies or intolerances when dogs experience diarrhea or other GI issues after eating certain ingredients. The tests look for the presence of food antigens shed in the stool.
Additionally, vets use stool samples to diagnose conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, liver or pancreatic disease, cancer, and other internal issues that could cause symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, or weight loss.
How to Properly Collect a Sample
When collecting a stool sample from your dog, it’s important to follow some basic guidelines to ensure the sample’s integrity and prevent contamination. Here are some tips for properly collecting a dog stool sample:
Wear disposable gloves while handling the stool. This prevents possible contamination and protects you from any pathogens that may be present in the feces. Latex or nitrile gloves work well for this purpose. Avoid using bare hands when collecting the sample.
Select a clean, dry container with a secure lid in which to collect the sample. Plastic containers like empty yogurt cups or plastic jars work well. Make sure the container is large enough to hold the needed amount of stool. Sterilize the container first by washing with hot soapy water before collecting the sample.
Take the sample directly from the middle of a fresh stool. This helps ensure you get an adequate and representative sample. Using a scoop, spoon, or spatula, transfer a portion of the stool from the center into the container. Take multiple portions from different areas of the feces to obtain enough material. The total sample should be about 1-2 tablespoons in volume.
Avoid contamination from dirt, grass, bedding material etc by only taking from the stool directly. Do not take any material adhering to the outside of the feces. Only take from the middle interior section.
Secure the lid tightly on the container holding the sample. Label it with the pet’s name and date/time the sample was taken. Store and transport the sample according to your veterinarian’s instructions.
How Soon Do Samples Need to be Analyzed?
In general, the fresher a fecal sample is, the better the results will be from laboratory analysis. This is because the composition of the sample can begin to change and degrade over time. According to the Veterinary Health Center, optimal results depend on the quality of the stool sample provided, and they recommend the sample should be less than 24 hours old if possible [1].
However, fecal samples can still provide useful information even if they are older than 24 hours. VCA Hospitals states that samples are generally still suitable for analysis for 2-3 days if kept refrigerated [2]. Allowing the sample to sit at room temperature will decrease the duration it can be analyzed. Freezing is not recommended as it can damage parasite eggs and make identification more difficult.
In summary, fresher is better when it comes to fecal samples, but refrigeration can extend the useful window to 2-3 days in most cases. Check with your veterinarian for specific guidelines if unsure.
Storing and Transporting Samples
Proper storage and transport of stool samples is important to preserve the sample for accurate testing. Refrigeration helps preserve stool samples and prevent degradation. According to Metro Vet Chicago, if you cannot bring the sample to the vet right away, you should refrigerate it while being extremely careful to prevent contamination.
Refrigeration slows down the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that could start breaking down the sample. Keeping the sample chilled preserves the components within the stool that are needed for testing. Just place the tightly sealed sample container in a plastic bag and put it in the refrigerator until you are ready to take it to the vet. Refrigeration can maintain the integrity of the sample for up to 48 hours in most cases.
When Refrigeration is Crucial
While some stool samples may be fine at room temperature for a period of time, certain tests require refrigeration to maintain the integrity of the sample. This is especially true for fecal cultures, which look for the growth of bacteria in a stool sample. According to one source, “Fecal cultures should be refrigerated and processed within 24 hours” (https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-care/fecal-tests-dogs). The colder temperature prevents bacteria from multiplying too quickly before the test can be run. Another key test that requires refrigeration is looking for parasites like giardia. As one vet notes, “If you are testing for giardia, it is best to refrigerate the sample and deliver it to your veterinarian the same day since giardia cysts start breaking down quickly at room temperature.”
Aside from specific bacterial cultures and parasite identification, most vets recommend refrigerating any stool sample that will not be analyzed within a few hours. The cold helps preserve the sample properly. One source explains, “If you can’t get a stool sample to your vet right away, put it in the refrigerator in a sealed plastic bag” (https://www.metrovetchicago.com/services/cats/blog/dog-and-cat-fecal-exams-top-tips-and-faqs). Refrigeration can maintain the sample’s integrity for up to 24 hours in most cases. Just be sure to label the sample clearly and keep it away from any food.
Room Temperature Storage
Some stool tests can be reliably performed even if the sample sits at room temperature for a period of time. According to the University of Michigan, fecal flotation and giardia antigen tests are still accurate if the sample is stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. (Source 1)
For routine fecal examinations like looking for intestinal parasites, a sample can be left unrefrigerated for 24 hours without compromising results. However, leaving a sample out for over a day is not recommended as parasite eggs and larvae can start to break down. (Source 2)
If certain lab tests are required like checking for specific bacteria or performing PCR assays, the sample should be refrigerated as soon as possible after collection. The bacteria in an unrefrigerated sample will start to change after just a few hours. (Source 3)
Freezing Samples
If you are unable to get a stool sample to your veterinarian right away, freezing is another option for preserving it. Freezing stops bacteria and parasite development, helping maintain the sample’s integrity for analysis. According to the Kansas State Veterinary Health Center, freezing is an acceptable method for long-term storage of stool samples.
To properly freeze a stool sample:
- Collect the stool sample in a clean, sealable plastic bag or container.
- Label the sample with your pet’s name and the date it was collected.
- Place the sealed sample bag/container in the freezer. Samples can be frozen for up to a few weeks before analysis.
When transporting a previously frozen sample to the vet, keep it frozen as much as possible by using freezer packs and an insulated bag or cooler. Let your vet know the sample has been frozen so they can account for any effects on the analysis.
While freezing preserves the sample, some impact on the quality is possible over time. According to JustAnswer veterinarian Dr. Andy, eggs of intestinal parasites may die when frozen for over 2 weeks. So fresh samples are ideal, but freezing can buy you time for getting the sample to the vet.
Maintaining Sample Integrity
Ensuring the integrity of the stool sample is critical for accurate test results. Avoid cross contamination by using clean collection containers and tools for each sample. Clearly label each sample container with the pet’s name, date, and time of collection. Refrigerate or freeze samples immediately after collection. Multiple freeze-thaw cycles can degrade the sample, so thaw completely before analyzing and avoid refreezing.
According to this source, freezing is preferred for long term storage to maintain the integrity of the samples. If freezing is not possible, refrigeration at 40°F for up to 3 days is acceptable. However, for accurate results, veterinarians recommend analyzing the samples as soon as possible after collection.
Proper storage and handling protects the stool sample from contamination, preserves the sample contents, and allows for the most accurate analysis.
Conclusion
When collecting stool samples, it is important to follow the proper procedure to ensure accurate test results. Samples should be collected in clean containers and kept cold to preserve the composition. Refrigeration helps maintain the sample integrity, but is not always necessary if the sample will be tested within a few hours.
For routine culture tests, samples can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For parasite testing, room temperature storage for up to 1 hour is acceptable. If prompt delivery to the lab is not possible, samples should be refrigerated as soon as collected. Refrigeration preserves the sample for up to 72 hours if parasites are suspected, and up to 24 hours for bacterial cultures.
Freezing is only recommended when shipping delays are expected or long-term storage is needed. Make sure to use appropriate sterile containers and follow all laboratory instructions for proper handling. Always keep samples contained to avoid contamination. With the right collection and storage methods, accurate stool analysis can be achieved.