Bellylabs Canine Pregnancy Test

What does the test kit include?

• Instruction leaflet (in 8 languages—see Resources)
• 2 Single use safety lancets
• Sample swab
• Buffer bottle
• Buffer tube
• Test cassette (foil packaging)
• Test package has a cut out to hold the buffer tube

The test kit contains all equipment needed for performing the test at home. Buffer liquid now comes in a bottle. It might look like very little, but it is an adequate amount and calibrated to the amount of sample. Empty all of the contents of the bottle to the buffer tube.

No professional knowledge or extra equipment needed.  The test has a long shelf life; Buy now, use when you need! Best Before Date is always 18 months from production. We do not keep big storages so you can always expect months of use.

Instructions are available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Swedish, Norwegian and Finnish.

 What is this test for? 

The test is a dog pregnancy rapid test for home use. The Bellylabs test is intended to determine pregnancy in a bitch as well as to distinguish between pseudopregnancy and a real gestation. You can now do the test at home safely, reliably, and quickly – saving time, trouble and money.

 What is the test based on? 

The test measures relaxin hormone which is present during gestation. Relaxin hormone is a reliable biomarker for determining dog pregnancy.

 Is the Bellylabs Dog Pregnancy test reliable? 

The test’s accuracy is 96 %. The Bellylabs pregnancy test was compared to a confirmed medical diagnosis. The study involved 70 performed tests. The test has been tested for more than 30 dog breeds, dog sizes varying from 3 kg to 80 kg.

 How early can I test my dog? 

The test measures relaxin hormone which is a reliable indication of dog pregnancy. For the best accuracy we recommend testing after 28 days has passed from ovulation. There is no harm in testing earlier. Relaxin hormone is produced by the developing placenta following implantation of the embryo and can be detected in the blood in most pregnant females as early as 22 to 27 days post-ovulation but there might not be enough hormone for a reliable detection yet. Therefore, if you test before 28 days have passed and get a negative result, we recommend testing again in 5 to 7 days time.

 Does a positive result guarantee me puppies?

No, unfortunately it does not. The test measures relaxin hormone, that is present when your female is pregnant. This hormone is produced by the developing placenta following implantation of the embryo. We cannot promise that the pregnancy will successfully reach full term.

 How do I take a sample?

The sampling is easy and safe to do. Use one of the 2 lancets provided to snap your dog’s inner lip. A small drop of blood will appear that is easy to collect to the sample swab. Keep collecting blood until the swab is red throughout and will no longer absorb more blood. If there is not enough sample (full swab), use the spare lancet for another snap.

 Why from blood?

At this time getting a reliable and accurate reading of relaxin hormone will require the test to be run from a blood sample. Only a small droplet is required, however.

 Does it hurt?

The lancet is like that used on human newborn’s heels for sampling in hospitals. It is safe and reliable to use. The dogs do not even notice the sampling in almost all cases.

 How do I know there is enough sample on the swab?

When the swab will no longer absorb more sample when it is rolled on the lip. We recommend rolling the sample on the sample a few more times after you feel the swab is full. It will appear dark red and full and there will be no white or paler areas on the swab. Please note that it is impossible to collect too much on the swab but on the other hand an inadequate sample might leave the pregnancy undetected.

 What if there is not enough sample in the swab?

The blood flow can be helped by tilting the dog’s nose downwards or releasing your hold of the dog’s lip for a moment. If there is still not enough sample (full swab), use the spare lancet for another snap.

It is easier to obtain a sufficient sample from a dog that has been active. A little walk or play before testing enhances the blood circulation and might ease testing.  It is critical that enough blood is used to test for accurate results. To ensure a sufficient size sample is taken, the sample hole should be completely blood red. This often leaves a “ring” on the plastic. If the well is light pink or very faint red, it is likely that not enough blood was collected on the swab.

 My dog drools a lot. Does it affect the sample?

If your dog is a heavy drooler or you feel you can get a better hold of a dry lip we recommend patting the inside of your dog’s lip, the area you plan on taking the sample from, with a tissue or a clean towel before taking the sample.

 Is there bleeding afterwards?

Usually, the bleeding stops almost immediately. You can add a few seconds of pressure to the sample site with a tissue if there is still bleeding.

 What is the best way to hold my dog while testing?

This depends on how big your dog is and what you find comfortable. We recommend placing small dogs on a table or couch. Medium dogs can be easily held between your knees. Big dogs are best left sitting or standing on the floor next to the person performing the test. One person can successfully test most dogs by themselves. This all depends on each individual dog´s behaviour and what they are used to. We would recommend having help present if you have not tested your dog before.

 I am not sure when was the ovulation day.

Gestation days may vary up to 4 to 7 days, if calculated from mating and the time of ovulation is unknown. A progesterone test can be performed to precisely determine ovulation before mating. If calculated from mating, we advice you to add a couple of days to your calculation.