Companion Animal Worm Counts

Dogs • Cats • Rabbits • Guinea Pigs

Internal parasites are extremely common in companion animals and can affect pets even when they appear healthy. A faecal egg count (FEC) is a laboratory test that checks a fresh stool sample for parasite eggs to determine whether worms are present and whether treatment is required.

Using regular worm counts allows targeted parasite control, helping avoid unnecessary chemical worming while protecting your pet’s health.

At Wildwood Worm Counts, we provide professional laboratory testing for companion animals including dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs.

What is a Faecal Egg Count?

A faecal egg count (FEC) is a diagnostic test that examines a small amount of your pet’s stool under a microscope. The test identifies parasite eggs passed in the faeces by adult worms living in the digestive tract.

Results are normally expressed as eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces, which gives an indication of the level of infection.

A worm count can detect a range of internal parasites including:

• Roundworms (Ascarids) 
• Hookworms 
• Whipworms 
• Threadworms 
• Tapeworms 
• Protozoa such as Coccidia 

These parasites can cause symptoms such as:

• Weight loss 
• Diarrhoea 
• Poor coat condition 
• Digestive problems 
• Reduced overall health 

In severe cases, heavy parasite burdens can become life-threatening.

Why Test Instead of Routine Worming?

Traditional worming schedules often involve giving medication every few months whether worms are present or not. Faecal egg counts allow a targeted worming approach, meaning treatment is only used when needed.

Benefits include:

• Reducing unnecessary chemicals
• Helping prevent drug resistance in parasites
• Monitoring the effectiveness of worming treatments
• Supporting a healthier parasite management programme

Recommended Testing Frequency

For most healthy adult companion animals:

Every 3 months is recommended to monitor parasite burdens and maintain good health.

More frequent testing may be beneficial for:

• Puppies and kittens 
• Animals that hunt or scavenge 
• Pets in multi-animal households 
• Breeding animals 
• Animals with digestive issues