Fecal Testing Requirements

FECAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DOGS AT LUCKY PAWS (EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2017)

What is Giardia, and does my vet test for it automatically?

We have consulted with a group of local veterinarians to make sure we are practicing best measures to make sure your best friend is as healthy as can be. Due to this, we require all of our clients at daycare, hotel, grooming, and park to screen for parasites including Giardia.


What is Giardia?

Giardia is a microscopic parasite that causes the diarrheal illness known as giardiasis. Giardia (also known as Giardia intestinalis, Giardia lamblia, or Giardia duodenalis) is found on surfaces or in soil, food, or water that has been contaminated with feces (poop) from infected humans or animals.

Giardia is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body for long periods of time and makes it tolerant to chlorine disinfection. While the parasite can be spread in different ways, water (drinking water and recreational water) is the most common mode of transmission.

As you can see from the definition from the Centers for Disease Control, Giardia is found in soil and water and can live for a long time. It is also easily spread to humans. Since we are both an indoor and outdoor facility, we take sanitation and providing a safe environment for your pet very seriously. We have discussed the pros and cons of asking our customers to make this extra step. We feel it is in the very best interest of your dog and all of the dogs in our care to add this requirement.


Testing for Giardia

Not all Vets in our area routinely screen for Giardia. Some do, some do not. Below you will find a list of vets that test for it as a part of routine health screenings for your dog: If your Vet is not on the list it is IMPERATIVE you share our requirements with your Vet. You must provide a fecal sample and ask your Vet to test for Giardia (this involves sending it to a lab like Antech or Idexx, or doing an in-house snap test.)

We have highlighted the Vets in blue that have the snap test on hand. Keep in mind that you must request the snap test from them, as they will not automatically do it unless requested by the owner.

To make this easier for you – our valued pet parents – our previous 6-month testing requirement has been changed to a yearly requirement. If you have any questions, please ask to see Gretchen, our owner, or reach out to us via phone or email.


Vet Listing

WELCOME SOME OF OUR NEWEST HAPPY FACES!