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My dog is sick with vomiting, diarrhea, fever. Is a refrigerated stool sample okay?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 6 years and 9 months old | 14 lbs

my female dog who weighs 14 pounds, has lost her appetiate, vomiting, diaharra, with liquid stools, and fever. she has like flu like systems on and off for the past 6 weeks. but has only gotten worse. I believe she many have gotten lyme disease is my guess. I also have the same systems and have gotten worse as well. I grab a stool sample tonight from her. will it stay fresh until her vet apt in the morning by placing it in the referigator in a pastic bag. can you please give me some insight.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Sara Farmer, DVM

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 22, 2017

I'm so sorry Naddie hasn't been feeling well for so long. Although lyme disease could cause a fever we typically see joint pain and swelling, no vomiting and diarrhea with clinical lyme disease. Naddie could have an intestinal parasite, gastrointestinal infection, or a disease like pancreatitis or inflammatory bowel disease. Your veterinarian will likely perform a complete physical exam and may recommend blood work, x-rays or ultrasound of the abdomen, and a fecal analysis. The stool sample should be okay to test for parasites if left refrigerated overnight, but it would be ideal to obtain a fresher sample in the morning before the appointment if possible. Hope she is feeling better soon!
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