Are you a pet owner concerned about your dog's health? The 4Dx test for dogs is the most reliable way to screen for heartworm and tick-borne infections. It uses cutting-edge technology to detect four markers—heartworm antigen, Lyme disease antibody, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma antibodies—in just 10 minutes. Veterinarians have used this innovative 4DX test with great accuracy in diagnosing serious infectious diseases. With the 4Dx Snap Test, you can be sure that your pup is safe from these potentially dangerous illnesses. You won’t have to worry anymore about whether or not they are at risk of developing any of these conditions. Continue reading to learn more about the 4Dx test for dogs!
4Dx test for dogs - What it is and how it works
The 4Dx test for dogs is an easy, efficient way to scan your dog's blood and detect potential infections caused by insects such as ticks and mosquitos. The IDEXX 4Dx Snap® Test works by measuring four markers—heartworm antigen, Lyme (borrelia) disease antibody, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma antibodies—and gives you accurate results in just 10 minutes. This modern 4Dx test is highly accurate, making it an ideal way to monitor your pup’s health and protect them from serious infections caused by heartworm and ticks.
Benefits of the 4Dx test for dogs
The 4Dx test for dogs provides many benefits over traditional testing methods:
- It’s fast and accurate. The 4Dx test results are available in as little as 10 minutes, compared to other tests that can take days or even weeks.
- It’s efficient. The 4Dx requires only a few drops of blood, making it easier and less intrusive than other types of tests.
- It’s cost-effective. The 4Dx test is more affordable than other methods, allowing you to save money while keeping your pup safe from dangerous tick-borne illnesses.
Apart from the previously mentioned advantages, perhaps the greatest benefit for our patients is that we can detect and screen these potentially hazardous diseases before they become a critical problem.
Understanding the markers detected by the 4Dx test for dogs
The 4Dx test for dogs measures 4 infectious disease markers from a small blood sample:
Heartworm antigen: This marker detects the presence of heartworms or microfilariae, an internal parasite that can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Lyme disease antibody: This marker identifies antibodies related to Lyme disease, which is caused by bacteria transmitted through tick bites.
Ehrlichia and Anaplasma antibodies: These markers detect the presence of Ehrlichia and Anaplasma organisms, which are both tick-borne illnesses that cause a variety of symptoms such as fever, joint pain, and fatigue.
By testing for these 4 markers, the 4Dx test can accurately diagnose and screen for serious infectious diseases that can affect your dog’s health.
Is there a specific time to perform the 4dx test for dogs?
Yes, the 4Dx test should be performed at least once a year to keep your pup safe from heartworm and tick-borne diseases. The best time of year to perform the 4Dx test for dogs is in the spring or early summer as it will test for heartworm exposure from the previous summer.
It’s also important to perform the 4Dx test when your pet is exhibiting any signs of illness or if they have been exposed to ticks or mosquitos. Your veterinarian should recommend a 4Dx test for your dog approximately 4 weeks after tick exposure.
Frequently asked questions about 4Dx testing for dogs
How accurate is the 4dx Snap test for dogs?
Studies reviewed by experts have determined that the IDEXX 4Dx Test is the most accurate test available.
How long does the 4Dx test take?
The 4Dx Snap test can have results within 8-10 minutes, from just a few drops of blood.
What does the 4Dx test measure?
The 4Dx test measures four markers—heartworm antigen, Lyme disease antibody (borrelia), Ehrlichia and Anaplasma antibodies—from a small blood sample.
My dog is on heartworm and tick preventatives, do I still need to test?
Yes, it is recommended to test your dog annually even if they are on preventive medications. This will help ensure that the preventives have been effective and your dog is still protected from these diseases.
Additionally, while we have access to the best and safest tick preventatives, ticks do need to bite the dog as this is how they receive the drug. Therefore, there is a possibility of disease transmission from an infected tick as tick-borne diseases are transmitted via the saliva of the tick.
The 4Dx test for dogs is a revolutionary tool that can detect and measure four markers—heartworm antigen, Lyme disease antibody, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma antibodies—in just 10 minutes. It's fast, efficient, accurate, and cost-effective compared to other testing methods. With the 4Dx test, your veterinarian can diagnose and screen for serious infectious diseases before they become critical problems. Additionally, it’s important to perform this annual test even if your pet is on `preventative medications as ticks do need to bite them in order for the drug to be effective. Ultimately, the 4dx Snap test offers peace of mind knowing you are protecting your pup from potentially dangerous tick-borne illnesses. Please contact your veterinarian to schedule your dog's 4dx Snap test.