Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

 

About Worms Counts Tests

Which test do I need?

Worm count kit - To test for tapeworm, roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and giardia.

Lungworm test kit - For lungworm and heartworm, the lungworm kits.

All-in-one kit - A worm count kit, lungworm kit and giardia screen test - saving £7 on buying the three kits separately.

Combination kit - one of each kit - worm and lungworm - and save £7 on buying the two kits separately. 

Giardia - For giardia testing at home. The same as doing a covid test, only you test a tiny poo sample.

Order your kits here.

How do I collect and send my dog's sample for the test, is it easy to do?

All our tests are easy to do and come with full instructions in the kits, in written, infographic and video form (follow the QR code on the instructions, and you’ll be taken to the video.) So whichever way works best for you, it’s all there.
 
Our worm count, lungworm, combined kits and all-in-one kits work the same way. The giardia test is different, but the instructions are just as comprehensive.
 
You’ll be fine but if you have questions email us at info@wormcountsfordogs.co.uk

Which sample of the day do I need to collect?

As much as it's possible, collect your sample first thing, but if you can't don't worry any sample will be fine.

If I'm testing for worms and lungworm when do I take the worm sample?

A lungworm test needs three samples collected on three consecutive days, and a worm count test needs one sample from one day.

To keep the samples as fresh as possible, take the worm sample on the third day when you collect the last lungworm sample.

Which sample of the week is it best to collect?

We recommend taking samples early in the week when the mail will be collected from post boxes and the post office is open.

If you're doing a lungworm or combined test where you need a three day sample for the lungworm test you can also collect samples on Saturday, Sunday and Monday and post it on the Monday (if it's a bank holiday, move it along a day and post on Tuesday.)

Samples wil degrade over time making them less viable for testing. So you don't want them hanging about in the sorting office.

As much as possible don't post them on a Friday especially when there's a bank holiday the next Monday.

Where do I store my lungworm samples?

Store the samples from days one and two somewhere cool at room temperature, if possible, out of direct sunlight.

If they're outside try a shed, or under a plant pot so the foxes can't tinker with them.

Never put samples in the fridge, or freeze them.

When will I get my results?

Within 24/48 hours of your test arriving at the lab. The lab email you the test results, so please write your email address clearly on the instruction form included in your kit.

IMPORTANT - make sure you follow the instructions for collecting your sample carefully including filling out your details on the form which comes with your kit. The instructions are explained three ways; in text and images and a QR code takes you to a video showing you how to use the kit. Whichever works best for you.

Put the sample and the form back in the box they came in and put the box in the plastic tracked postage envelope that came with the kit. All this contains the information the lab needs to test your sample and send you the results.

If the results don't arrive in your inbox when expected, please check your spam/junk folders too.  If they're not there, email us at info@wormcountsfordogs.co.uk and we will go find them for you.

How accurate are the results?

It's essential to follow the instructions when collecting samples to avoid compromising the test.

No worm count, screen or test can be 100% accurate because of the stages of worm development, which is why we recommend regular testing.

Tapeworms are what's known as intermittent shedders. If eggs or egg-carrying segments are present, a worm count will detect them. If the sample was taken at a time when the tapeworm was not shedding, it will not be present in the sample.

If you want to regularly treat your dog for tapeworms, we recommend using a veterinary prescription wormer, or an intestinal hygiene product. We like Verm-X.

How often should I test for worms and lungworm?

We suggest testing for worms four times a year and lungworm every 6-8 weeks.

Where are the samples tested?

We use FECLAB to test your samples.

About delivery

When will my order be dispatched?

Orders are dispatched in one to two working days from when we receive your order (except for weekends and public holidays).

How much does it cost to deliver?

Postage and packing the kits to you is £3.99, and postage from you to the lab is FREE when you use the Royal Mail tracked envelope included in your kit.

IMPORTANT! Only post your samples to the lab using the TRACKED envelope included. The lab uses the tracking number to identify your sample.

EQUALLY IMPORTANT! WRITE DOWN YOUR TRACKING NUMBER. Surprise surprise there is a tracking number on your tracked envelope in the kit. Take a photograph of it or write it down. Then, if your kit goes astray you can locate it. Go to Royal Mail Track and Trace and put the tracking number in.

Alternatively, simply take it to the Post Office and ask for Proof Of Posting. The tracking Number in the envelope will be on it. Keep it safe.

Can I post my sample into any old post box?

Yes! You can post your sample in any postbox. As long as you ONLY post your samples to the lab using the TRACKED envelope included in your kit. The lab uses the tracking number to identify your sample.

Keep a note of your tracking number.

Alternatively, simply take it to the Post Office and ask for Proof Of Posting. The tracking Number in the envelope will be on it. Keep it safe.

I live outside the UK can I do a test?

Unfortunately, we can only send out kits to customers within the UK.

The sample needs to be sent to the lab as soon as possible after collection using the Royal Mail tracked service.

If a sample was to come from Ireland or France for example it will likely take too long and the sample probably wouldn't be viable.

About subscriptions

What is Subscribe & Save?

Worm Counts for Dogs Subscribe & Save service makes sure you always have the worm count kits, lungworm, and giardia tests you need to hand right when you need them.

By subscribing, your order will arrive like clockwork at specified intervals.

And you’ll enjoy saving 10% every time, compared to our single order purchase price.

We'll notify you we're going to post your order three days before your delivery date. You don’t have to remember to order your worm count kits any longer because we’re doing it for you.

How do I subscribe?

Find the kit you want, then select “Subscribe and Save”. Choose the schedule that works for you – every 2, 3, 6, 9, or 12 months, and hit the “add to basket” button.

Once you’ve got everything you need, proceed to the checkout as normal. Your discounted kits are in your basket with a note confirming your selection, e.g., two worm count kits every three months.

If you don’t have an account already, you will need to create one so you have complete control over your subscription.

That’s pretty much it. We'll notify you that your order is on its way three days before your delivery date. You don’t have to remember to order your worm count kits any longer because we’re doing it for you.

How do I manage my subscription?

You can edit or amend an order, pause, or reschedule a delivery by
logging into your account and clicking “Manage my subscription”.

You can cancel or reactivate your subscription anytime from the same “Manage my subscription” link in your account.

How do I cancel my subscription?

To access your account, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your account. – insert link here
  2. After logging in, click the "Manage Subscriptions" tab in the top left-hand menu.
  3. Next, click on the "Actions" button next to the subscription you want to cancel, and click on it.
  4. A dropdown menu will appear.
  5. From there, select "Cancel."
  6. On the next page, you'll be asked the reason you’re cancelling. Select the one that best fits you.
  7. Finally, click "Cancel my subscription", and you’re done.

Your subscription is now cancelled from your next scheduled delivery date.

Cancellations can take 24 hours to process. If you get in touch to ask us to stop a delivery for you, we will try our best, but we can’t guarantee it. If your order has already been dispatched, you must return it to us before we can refund you.

I've subsribed by mistake.

To access your account, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your account. – insert link here
  2. After logging in, click the "Manage Subscriptions" tab in the top left-hand menu.
  3. Next, click on the "Actions" button next to the subscription you want to cancel, and click on it.
  4. A dropdown menu will appear.
  5. From there, select "Cancel."
  6. On the next page, you'll be asked the reason you’re cancelling. Select the one that best fits you.
  7. Finally, click "Cancel my subscription", and you’re done.

Your subscription is now cancelled from your next scheduled delivery date.

Cancellations can take 24 hours to process. If you get in touch to ask us to stop a delivery for you, we will try our best, but we can’t guarantee it. If your order has already been dispatched, you must return it to us before we can refund you.

How do I add or remove products from my subscription?

You can add a new product to your subscription by logging into your account clicking "Manage Subscriptions" link from the top left-hand menu.

Then click "Add Product" below your subscription.

Ready to order?