How to: collect a poo sample from your dog

Overview

• A poo sample may provide your vet with the information they need to diagnose and treat your dog.
• For guidance on how to collect a stool sample from your dog, read our step-by-step guide or watch our video below.

Step-by-step guide

1. Make sure the poo sample is as fresh as possible and not contaminated by soil or water.
2. If your vet has provided you with a pot, use the plastic stick inside the lid to scoop some of the poo into it. Otherwise, just use an ordinary poo bag or clean plastic container.
3. If possible, collect a large sample – at least half-fill the tube. However, If your dog has severe, watery diarrhoea, this may be very difficult – try to get as much as possible.
4. Screw the lid on firmly and label it with your dog’s name and the time and date of collection.
5. Take the sample to your vet practice as soon as possible – a fresh sample is likely to provide the most accurate information.
6. If you have an appointment booked already, collect your sample on the same day, as close to the appointment time as possible.

Video

What is a poo samples tested for?

Your dog’s poo sample may be tested for:

• Parasites
• Blood (gut bleeding)
• Bacteria
• Digestion problems and other diseases.

Your vet may check the sample ‘in-house’ or send it away to a lab for further tests.

When to contact your vet

Always contact your vet if you notice something unusual in your dog’s poo, such as blood, excessive mucus or worms.

Published: August 2019