Every pet owner in Orlando wants to give their furry family members the best possible life, and that means staying proactive about health issues you might not always see. One of the most important yet easily overlooked steps in protecting your pet and your household is routine parasite screening. At Salazar Veterinary Hospital, our veterinarians are committed to providing a higher standard of preventive care for pets in Orlando and surrounding communities. Biannual fecal exams for pets are a cornerstone of parasite prevention in Orlando, helping to safeguard your pet’s health and your family’s well-being.
In this article, we’ll explore why twice-yearly fecal exams are so crucial for local dogs and cats, how intestinal parasites affect pets and people, what to expect during a fecal check, and how our veterinary team can support year-round parasite prevention. We’ll also discuss what signs to watch for, when to schedule a comprehensive pet exam, and how to find the best veterinary services near you. If you’ve searched for a "vet near me" for preventive care or have questions about parasite prevention in Orlando, you’re in the right place. To learn more about the importance of regular pet exams and parasite screening, you can also visit our page on veterinary examinations and preventive care.
Intestinal parasites are a quiet threat for many pets in Orlando. Because many of these worms and protozoa are microscopic or hide inside the intestines, you may not know your pet has a problem until symptoms appear. Key signs that could suggest your dog or cat has intestinal parasites include changes in appetite or weight loss, visible worms or eggs in your pet’s stool, diarrhea or soft stools, vomiting, scooting or excessive licking around the rear, a dull coat, and occasional coughing, which can occur with some types of parasites. Additionally, some pets may have a pot-bellied appearance, low energy, or develop anemia due to blood loss from parasites such as hookworms.
It’s important to remember that many pets—especially adults with stronger immune systems—may not show any outward symptoms at all. This is why regular fecal exams for pets in Orlando are so vital. By screening for parasites before symptoms develop, you can protect your pet’s health, prevent transmission to other animals or people, and avoid more serious health problems down the road.
Orlando’s warm, humid climate creates ideal conditions for many intestinal parasites. Dogs and cats can pick up these invaders in several ways. Common sources of infection include contact with contaminated soil at dog parks, yards, and trails, ingestion of infected feces or prey, exposure to parasite eggs or larvae on unwashed paws or fur, and transmission from mother to kitten or puppy during pregnancy or nursing.
The most common parasites identified during fecal exams for pets in Orlando are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and protozoan parasites like Giardia and coccidia. These organisms can be picked up year-round, but risk may increase during warm, rainy periods when pets spend more time outdoors or around standing water. Because so many sources of infection are outside your control, even indoor pets are not completely safe from parasites. For example, parasite eggs can be tracked indoors on shoes or brought in by rodents.
Understanding these risks is why our veterinarians recommend biannual fecal exams as part of your pet’s wellness plan. These regular checks are just as important as vaccination services or annual bloodwork in maintaining your pet’s overall health.
During a fecal exam, our veterinary professionals will request a fresh stool sample from your pet. This sample is then examined under a microscope and tested using specialized solutions and techniques to detect the presence of parasite eggs, larvae, or cysts. The process is comfortable for your pet—there is no need for sedation or invasive procedures. Our diagnostic services are designed to be thorough and accurate, helping us detect even low levels of infection.
Biannual fecal exams for pets allow our team to catch infections early, often before symptoms appear. Early detection is key, as untreated parasites can cause weight loss, anemia, gastrointestinal distress, and in severe cases, life-threatening illness. Some parasites that affect pets, such as roundworms and hookworms, can also be transmitted to humans, especially children and individuals with compromised immune systems. This makes regular parasite screening an important part of keeping your entire household safe.
If a parasite is found, our team will recommend a tailored treatment plan based on the specific type of parasite and your pet’s health status. To learn more about our diagnostic capabilities, you can visit the page for veterinary diagnostic services.
If your pet’s fecal exam comes back positive for intestinal parasites, rest assured that safe and effective treatments are available. Treatment approaches involve administering prescription deworming medications, which are selected based on the species of parasite detected. These medications are typically given by mouth, either as a tablet, chewable, or liquid, and the regimen may last from a single dose to several weeks, depending on the parasite and severity of infection.
During treatment, our veterinarians may recommend follow-up fecal exams to ensure the parasites have been completely eliminated. In some cases, we may also advise additional supportive care, such as fluids for dehydration, nutritional adjustments, or medications to ease gastrointestinal upset. It’s important to follow all instructions closely and finish the full course of medication to prevent recurrence or resistance.
Our veterinary team will also provide guidance on environmental cleaning and prevention strategies, such as regular removal of pet waste from your yard, washing bedding frequently, and minimizing your pet’s access to high-risk areas. By working together, we can ensure your pet receives the best possible care and minimize the risk of reinfection.
Prevention is always more effective—and often less stressful—than treatment after a problem has developed. Routine biannual fecal exams for pets in Orlando are the foundation of effective parasite prevention. Additional steps you can take at home include giving your pet year-round parasite preventives as recommended by your veterinarian, promptly picking up and disposing of pet waste, avoiding areas known to be contaminated with feces, and maintaining regular wellness checkups.
Educating your family about proper handwashing, especially for children who play outside, is also essential in reducing the risk of zoonotic parasite transmission. Keeping your pet’s living area clean, feeding them only commercial or well-cooked foods, and discouraging hunting or scavenging behaviors will further decrease the chances of infection.
If you’re unsure about the best preventive methods for your household, our veterinary professionals are always happy to provide personalized recommendations during your pet’s next visit. Preventive care programs at Salazar Veterinary Hospital are designed to keep both pets and people in Orlando and surrounding communities safe and healthy year-round.
While prevention is key, it’s vital to know when your pet may need immediate veterinary attention. You should schedule an appointment with our veterinarians at Salazar Veterinary Hospital if you notice symptoms such as persistent diarrhea, vomiting, blood in the stool, dramatic weight loss, lethargy, or pale gums. These signs may indicate a severe parasite infection or another underlying health issue that requires prompt professional care.
Additionally, puppies and kittens, senior pets, or animals with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to complications from intestinal parasites and should be monitored closely. If you’re new to the area or have recently adopted a pet, scheduling a comprehensive pet exam—including a fecal screening—should be a priority. Our team can help establish a baseline for your pet’s health and set up a preventive care plan tailored to their needs.
If you ever have concerns about your pet’s health or are searching for a "vet near me" who can provide compassionate, comprehensive care, our Orlando veterinary team is here to help. We encourage you to reach out for guidance whenever you have questions, as prompt attention can make all the difference.
Staying proactive with biannual fecal exams for pets in Orlando is one of the best ways to protect your beloved companions and your family from the hidden dangers of intestinal parasites. These routine screenings, combined with year-round parasite prevention and personalized care from our experienced veterinary professionals, help ensure a healthier, happier life for your pet.
At Salazar Veterinary Hospital, we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of veterinary care in Orlando and surrounding communities. Whether you’re looking for the best "vet near me" or want to learn more about parasite prevention in Orlando, our team is ready to partner with you in every stage of your pet’s life.
To schedule an appointment for your pet’s next fecal exam or a comprehensive wellness visit, please call our veterinary team at (407) 807-6611 or visit us at 111 Gatlin Ave, Orlando, FL 32806. For more information on our preventive care services, you can read about veterinary examinations and wellness exams. Together, let’s keep your pets—and your home—safe from parasites all year long.
This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. If you have concerns about your pet’s health, please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
