Labrador launches new at-home lateral flow tests

Labrador, a provider of at-home pet tests, has announced the launch of the UK’s first lateral flow tests to detect 12 most common pet viruses and infections at home. 

Developed in collaboration with TV vet Dr Scott Miller, these at-home tests just require a simple swab test in either a dog or cat’s mucus, stool or vomit and provide results in minutes.

Each of the four tests checks for multiple health concerns, helping pet owners to decide if a vet visit is necessary.

With a clinically proven >97% accuracy, Labrador’s full range includes:

• Doggy Diarrhoea Test (£39.99) – A test to detect for canine parvovirus, coronavirus, giardia and rotavirus, whenever your dog is suffering from diarrhoea. Simply swab your dog’s stool to help you check if one of these common viruses is the cause before seeking treatment.
• Doggy Cough Test (£34.99) – The test will detect if your dog is suffering from distemper, adenovirus or influenza with a swab from your dog’s watery eyes or runny nose to check.
• Sneezy Cat Test (£34.99) – If your feline friend is sneezing, drooling or suffering from a fever or blocked nose, the test will detect whether your cat is positive for feline herpesvirus (FHV) or feline calicivirus (FCV) with a swab of your cat’s watery eyes or runny nose.
• Cat Diarrhoea Test (£34.99) – A test that detects panleukopenia, coronavirus, and giardia whenever your dog is suffering from diarrhoea. Pop the swab in your cat’s stool to check if the cause is one of these common illnesses.

Michael Hodnett, co-founder of Labrador, said: “We as a nation love our pets – some even more than our friends and family! But unlike our loved ones, our pets can’t communicate how they feel, meaning pet owners are left to rely on costly visits to the vet if their four-legged friend is acting out of sorts.

“That’s why we developed Labrador – a way for pet owners to check their dog’s or cat’s health in the comfort of their own home, without the added anxiety or cost of a visit to the vet. Through our tests, our mission is to revolutionise pet care by putting the power of detection in pet owners’ hands.”

Dr. Scott Miller, vet and broadcaster, added: “It’s been great to be involved in the development of a product that can help dedicated and intelligent owners take control of their pets’ health, using technology that we have all become used to during Covid to understand the causes of illness in the comfort of their own home.

“While nothing can replace a trained veterinarian’s comprehensive care and treatment, at-home testing empowers pet owners to make informed decisions about their furry friends’ health needs. It’s an excellent first step that can either provide peace of mind or signal the need for professional veterinary attention.”