Best Dog DNA Test: Understanding Your Dogs Genetic Markup for Better Training
Introduction
A dog DNA test can be very useful for all sorts of things.
You could find out about your dog’s risks for developing genetic diseases, gain insight into their genetic makeup and family history, and even gain an idea of their personality traits.
For owners of rescue dogs or mixed breeds, these tests can be especially helpful for making a health plan.
Even owners of pure breeds can benefit though, as you can gain an insight into potential health risks and might even help with their training.
You can use these tests for information on health and behaviour, which helps you to plan everything from a proper plan for obedience training to future illnesses that you should look out for.
In this article we will provide a breakdown on the best dog dna test’s for you, to identify your dog’s breed and to take a step closer to having the most perfect pet.
Dog DNA Testing FAQ
Before you head out to buy a DNA testing kit for your dog, you likely have a bunch of questions.
We’ve compiled a list of possible questions below that you might have, so give them a read through before going anywhere.
What is the process of a dog dNA test
There are two ways to conduct a dog DNA test, much like human DNA tests. The test can be done as a cheek swab or a blood sample.
For cheek swaps, a sample is swapped for from the inside of your dog’s cheek and mailed off to a lab. This method is easy, simple and noninvasive, making it a popular option.
You can do the test yourself at home, but not all the tests are good quality, so the results you get back may vary.
A blood sample is collected by inserting a needle into a vein and drawing blood. This can be uncomfortable, so is not as popular but the results are more accurate, as they yield larger amounts of DNA.
What are the benefits of dog DNA testing
A DNA test can help you to understand health risks that your pet might genetically have, allowing you to create a tailored health plan. You can find out about the breeds in your dog, if you own a mixed breed, which can be helpful for understanding their behaviour.
For those looking for help in training the dog, DNA tests can also help you to plan more effective behaviour training. Understanding the genetic makeup of your dog can help you to understand some of their behaviour quirks.
When you know this, you can design a specific behaviour and obedience training program that best suit the breeds found in your dog’s makeup.
Some dogs will pick up training much faster than others, and a DNA test can give you peace of mind in knowing that you will get there, even if you have to persist for a bit longer. It can also help you to decide the best method of training, as you know if your dog would benefit from a firm hand or a more relaxed approach to training.
What To Consider When Choosing A Test For your dog
If you’re going to spend the money, you want the best dog DNA test, so you need to make sure you’re spending the money on a good one. When choosing, make sure you’re picking a test that is accurate.
You can check the accuracy of a test by looking at published clinical investigations that test the kits against a set of controls. You can also ask your vet for a recommendation. The results you get back should be valid and trustworthy so you’re comfortable making decisions using the results you get back.
Dog DNA tests aren’t cheap, so you’re better investing in a test that will give you comprehensive results. Some kits will only cover breed identification, whereas others will give you much more information, including a complete health risk profile and a determination of many genetic markers. With more information, the deeper an understanding of your pet you will have.
Consider how fast you’ll get results back. Some offer results in two to three weeks, whereas others can take much longer. A longer delivery time can actually be a good sign, as it means the tests being done are much more thorough than a company who promises a thousand tests and results in two weeks. Weigh up speed with accuracy to decide on the best pick for you.
Do some research before you buy, so you know that you’re spending your money on something that is worthwhile. DNA tests aren’t cheap, so with some research you can avoid wasting your money and get detailed results that are actually going to be helpful to you
How Accurate Is A Dog DNA Test?
Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to say for sure how accurate these test results are, beyond getting access to the proprietary technology the companies use. Luckily, with a basic understanding of genetics, you can make an educated estimate on how accurate the test is.
If you’re not sure, you can ask your vet for the test they would suggest. Read reviews and use common sense when buying them to get the best DNA test for dogs.
How To Swab Your Dog With A DNA Test
A cheek swap for a DNA test can be easily done by you at home, making the whole process very quick and not stressful for your dog.
First, inspect your dog’s mouth. Make sure there is no dirt, food or other debris between the dog’s gums and their cheek. You should wait two hours after the dog has eaten before taking a swab.
Get your test ready. Read the instructions carefully so you’ll know what to do. Never touch the bristles as this could contaminate the sample, making the test a waste of time. Be careful when opening the packaging so you don’t touch anything you shouldn’t.
Take the swap and roll the bristles firmly against the inner surface of the dog’s cheek. Depending on the test you have, you should do this for 15 to 30 seconds (check the instructions) to make sure you have enough cells on the swap to be tested.
Allow the DNA sample to dry naturally for around five minutes. Remember not to touch the bristles or let anyone else (or the dog) touch them. When the test has dried carefully put the DNA swab back into the storage sleeve. Send it off and wait for your results.
Source: TheKennelClub.Org.UK