Is Your Dog at Risk for Parasites This Summer? When to Schedule a Screening

Warmer weather often means more outdoor time for dogs. Walks, dog parks, hiking trails, daycare, boarding, and backyard play can all increase exposure to parasites. Even dogs that seem healthy can pick up intestinal parasites or other infections without showing obvious symptoms right away.

Parasite screening helps identify concerns early, before they lead to more serious health problems or spread to other pets in the home. For many pet owners, summer is a smart time to schedule a screening because seasonal activity often increases exposure risk.

Common Ways Dogs Are Exposed

Dogs can come into contact with parasites through contaminated soil, grass, water, feces, fleas, mosquitoes, or contact with other animals. Puppies, senior dogs, newly adopted pets, and dogs with frequent outdoor exposure may be especially vulnerable.

Even indoor dogs are not fully protected. A quick trip outside, contact with another pet, or fleas brought into the home can still create risk. Because parasites are not always visible, testing is often the most reliable way to know what is going on.

Signs Your Dog May Need Parasite Screening

Some dogs with parasites show clear symptoms, while others show none at all. If your dog has been more active outdoors this summer or has had a change in behavior, appetite, or stool, screening may be helpful.

Signs that may point to a need for parasite screening include:

•          Diarrhea, soft stool, or changes in bathroom habits

•          Vomiting or reduced appetite

•          Weight loss or a dull coat

•          Scooting, licking, or visible irritation

•          Low energy or unusual tiredness

•          Recent boarding, daycare, travel, or dog park visits

These symptoms can also be linked to other health issues, so lab testing gives you clearer information to share with your veterinarian.

When Should You Schedule A Screening?

A parasite screening is worth considering if your dog has not been tested recently, spends time around other animals, or has had increased outdoor exposure during the summer. It may also be recommended after adopting a new dog, before boarding, or when your veterinarian requests updated lab results.

Routine screening is especially important because some parasites can affect both pets and people. Early detection can help your veterinarian recommend the right next steps and reduce the chance of complications.

How Pet Affordable Lab Services Makes Testing Easier

At Pet Affordable Lab Services, we make routine pet lab testing more convenient for pet owners. You can schedule testing directly, without a referral, and results are sent to your email so you can forward them to your primary veterinarian, specialist, or telehealth provider.

Our goal is to give pet owners easier access to helpful diagnostic information. If results suggest that prompt veterinary care may be needed, our team can help guide you toward the next step.

If your dog has been spending more time outdoors this summer, now may be the right time to schedule parasite screening. Contact Pet Affordable Lab Services (PALS) in San Ramon, CA 94583, by calling (925) 365-3338.