Ears

Dutch offers a range of dog health test kits for your canine companion's well-being:

• Urinalysis kits: The FetchDx Dog Urinary Wellness Kit provides a comprehensive analysis of urine for abnormalities and indications of urinary issues in dogs, from urinary tract infections (UTIs) to diabetes and kidney disease. 
• Age tests: The EPiPaws Pet Age Test Kit gives an accurate age estimate for rescue pets with a convenient mouth swab. It uses epigenetics — changes in gene expression — to estimate chronological age and helps tailor care to your pet's life stage. 
• Fecal tests: Looking for a giardia test kit for dogs? The Fecal Float with Giardia ELISA kit is the standard fecal float test for ova and parasites, including a Giardia ELISA test. 
• Ear cytology: The One Ear Cytology and QSM Pseudomonas Test Kit is the gold standard for diagnosing and treating bacterial ear infections and other ear health problems in dogs. This comprehensive test is crucial for proper ear care. 

Many home test kits, when used correctly, can provide accurate results. It's crucial to follow the instructions carefully. These kits send samples to a lab for analysis, similar to procedures at the veterinarian's office. The key difference with home tests is that you're responsible for collecting the sample, making the process more convenient and often more affordable. 

Always consult your vet about the results to ensure the best care for your pet.

To use the dog urine test kit, ensure you have all the components ready, including the collection container, gloves, and any other materials provided. Ideally, collect the urine first thing in the morning as it is typically the most concentrated, providing the most accurate results. 

For male dogs, hold the collection container under the urine stream once they start to urinate. For female dogs, slide the container into place once she begins to squat and urinate. 

Once you've collected the sample, seal the container and prepare it for the lab by placing it in the provided packaging with the return label. 

Once the lab receives your sample, they'll analyze it and send you and your vet the results. 

Keep in mind that while urinalysis can provide insights into sugar levels that may indicate diabetes, they're not as accurate as blood sugar testing kits, especially if your dog has already been diagnosed and needs regular testing.

To use a fecal test, you'll use the same or a similar collection method as when you take a sample to your vet for your pet's annual wellness exam. We recommend bringing the collection cup with you on your walks until your dog provides an adequate sample, which can be scooped into the container. 

Then, once you've collected the sample, you can send it to the lab specified in the manufacturer's instructions.

To use an ear test for dogs, like the One Ear Cytology with Reflex Culture & Sensitivity Kit, gather all the components from the kit, like sterile swabs, collection tubes, and containers. We recommend choosing a time when your dog is most calm since you'll need to insert the swab into their ear. 

Always start with clean hands. Wear gloves provided in the kit to ensure proper hygiene and prevent compromising the sample. 

To swab your dog's ear, take a sterile swab from the kit and gently insert it into the ear canal. Be careful not to push it in too deeply or forcefully. Rorate the swab to collect a sample. If there's visible discharge or wax, ensure you collect it on the swab. 

Then, like the other tests, follow the manufacturer's instructions for sending the sample to the lab.

When you receive the results from any dog test, take a moment to read through the results. Labs typically provide a detailed report with values, ranges, and sometimes even preliminary interpretations. 

Next, consult a Dutch veterinarian. They're trained to interpret these results in the context of your dog's overall health and history. Based on the test results and your vet's expertise, there may be recommendations for treatment, further testing, or lifestyle changes for your dog. 

Keep the results in your dog's health record or folder. A detailed history of past test results can be invaluable for tracking health over time.