Having a pet is a big responsibility. Like humans, you have to pay attention to their health. But since they can’t talk, you have to be the one who will observe your pet and look out for any odd behavior and discomfort. You should regularly get your pet vet appointments to keep them fit and healthy. However, there are times when the vet is unavailable, or you cannot easily go to one. That is where home testing kits for pets come in handy. Having a home testing kit will help you give quick checkups on your pet for infections, irritations, and other issues. Pet testing kits can also help your pet’s veterinarian by giving them an idea of your pet’s situation. If the vet has an insight about the state of your pet, it would be easier and quicker for them to address the issue once your pet is taken to them.

There are quite a few health issues and concerns that pet testing kits can detect, and here are they:

Bacterial ear infections

Ear infections that are caused by bacteria happen when there is too much build-up in your pet’s ear. Though it is normal for your pets to have bacteria and yeast in their ear, it is only in small amounts. If you notice your pet frequently scratching their ear, scabs in the ear of your pet, and dark discharge, check them up; these are symptoms of ear infections.

Blood glucose levels

If your pet is excessively thirsty most of the time, pees a lot, lost weight and appetite, you need to consider the possibility of them having diabetes and high glucose levels. Use a home testing kit to see the blood glucose level and if it is within the normal level. The normal glucose level of pets like cats and dogs is 80-120 mg/dL. Your pet may also have too low blood glucose levels. If your pet’s muscle twitches have lost their appetite and are extremely lethargic, use the kit to check them. Their glucose level should not go below 60 mg/dL; if it does, your pet may have Hypoglycemia.

Fungal infections

Pets usually get fungal infections when they come in contact with fungal spores. This usually happens when your pet gets into direct contact or inhales them. Some examples of fungal infection are Blastomycosis, Nasal Aspergillosis, Cryptococcosis, and Ringworms.  These infections commonly include coughing, crusty or flaky skin, intense itchiness, fever, weight loss, lethargy, and decreased appetite.

Genetic markers for disease

There are different kinds of diseases your pet may get or develop, and many of them are very dangerous and even fatal. Genetic markers are DNA sequences that are used to locate genes and chromosomes. They are the ones that will help you identify if there are any abnormalities in the chromosomes. Detecting these genetic markers will help you know the kind of disease of your pet if they have any.  Some conditions that can be detected with the help of gene markers are dwarfism, hip and elbow dysplasia, Muscular hypertrophy, Crooked tail syndrome, and lymphoma.

It is important to get your pet checked if they act oddly or if you notice any discomfort because they might have a disease or some sort of illness. That is why home testing kits are made for them. Using home testing kits home helps you know your pet’s health state. If you suspect your pet has health issues like the ones mentioned above, you do not have to worry about worsening since you can check them at home. If the results show that your pet has health issues, at least you already have some information; you can research more about it while waiting for the vet. The information you have from the testing kit will help the vet understand the diagnosis.