Before attending a class or private session at Side By Side, we require age appropriate veterinary care and vaccinations/titers and a negative fecal test within 6 months. Why? It is our way of trying to keep ALL puppies and dogs who come to our training center safe and healthy. We have a variety of dogs who come to classes and private sessions — baby puppies, senior dogs, dogs recovering from surgeries, cancer survivors, etc. — and we want them all to be able to come without fear of getting sick.
The fecal test is one step we can take to ensure the level of health and safety we want for both our client dogs and our own dogs. It is an easy, relatively inexpensive test that can be completed in a few days. You take a fecal sample to your vet office and they test it. Quick, easy, and completely non-invasive for your dog. You’re picking up their poop anyway!!!
“But my puppy/dog is not showing any symptoms!” Many dogs have parasites or giardia and are asymptomatic. And as in many issues, some puppies/dogs may show symptoms, some may not — symptoms or no, a negative test is still required for puppies/dogs coming to Side By Side.
Side note — if you are looking to do therapy dog work, this test is required annually. If you want to travel with your dog — we recommend having the test done regularly as different parasites are present in different parts of the country.
Please make a fecal test part of your puppy/dog’s regular veterinary care. It is an easy addition and goes a long way in keeping your canine family safe and healthy.