The Benefits of DNA Testing for Dogs – From Health to Behavior

If you’re like most dog owners, you’ve probably wondered how your pooch was created. And if you’re also a pet owner who has seen the value of DNA testing with humans, why not try having your dog undergo one, too? DNA testing is an increasingly common method of helping pet owners learn about their dogs’ genetic makeup and health risks. But what exactly can you expect from this type of test? Here are five benefits that might inspire you to get the best DNA test for dogs:

DNA Testing Can Reveal Your Dog’s Ancestry

DNA testing is a great way to learn more about your dog’s ancestry, and it’s also beneficial for verifying that you have the right breed of dog. The process is simple:

  1. collect a sample of your pet’s DNA by swabbing their cheek or taking a hair sample
  2. send the sample to the lab with payment
  3. receive results back within two weeks (or sooner)
  4. use those results to make informed decisions about how best to care for your pet.

Here are some tips on how to collect a DNA sample from your dog:

  • First, you need somewhere quiet where you can do this without interruption from other family members or pets! If possible try doing this outside since dogs tend not like being confined indoors for long periods (it makes them anxious). It could mean using an outdoor room like an enclosed patio area where there aren’t any people around either.
  • Ensure there aren’t any dangers present first such as loose wires lying around which could hurt someone if touched accidentally while trying to get something out of their pocketbook/purse, etc.

DNA Testing Can Help You Identify Disorders

DNA testing can help you determine if your dog has a genetic disorder. A few examples include:

  • Hip dysplasia causes problems with the hip joint and results in arthritis. The disease is passed down from parent to pup, so if your dog is diagnosed with this condition, you may want to consider getting them tested for it.
  • Epilepsy affects about 2% of all dogs and causes seizures that can be mild or severe (and sometimes fatal). It’s still unclear what causes epilepsy. However, researchers are working on identifying predisposing factors like genetics and environment to know how best to prevent this condition from developing in future generations of dogs.

DNA Testing Can Tell You How Much Exercise Your Dog Needs

People who are trying to lose weight often use a Fitbit or similar device to track their activity levels. These devices can be used on dogs as well, but they’re not always accurate.

DNA testing is a better way of determining how much exercise your dog needs because it uses genetic markers that indicate whether he’s likely to be active or sedentary.

DNA Testing Can Lead to a More Thorough Health Examination

The results of a DNA test can also be used to determine which medications are most effective for your dog. For example, if you have a malamute that has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, it can be helpful to know if the medication prescribed by your vet is going to help alleviate his pain and discomfort.

DNA tests are also beneficial in determining whether or not your dog is a carrier of a genetic disorder. For example, some breeds like Dalmatians and Border Collies are prone to developing Fanconi syndrome (a kidney disease) and epilepsy–and these conditions may be passed on through their parent’s genes.

Helping owners understand their pets’ genetic predispositions

Although some breeds are more prone to certain disorders, a DNA test will help you determine which ones your dog might suffer from. If you have a mixed-breed dog, the results of this test could tell you what breeds are in their lineage. It can lead to further questions about whether any health issues may be hereditary and how they can be avoided in future generations.

In addition to helping owners understand their pets’ genetic predispositions, DNA testing allows them to learn more about their animal’s family tree. By analyzing their DNA samples, scientists can identify an animal’s breed ancestry with surprising accuracy–even if they have been crossbred multiple times over many generations!

DNA testing is a great way to learn more about your dog’s health and behavior. It can help you determine whether or not your dog is at risk of developing certain disorders, which can then be addressed before they become severe or life-threatening. The information also provides insight into what kind of exercise regimen would be best suited for each animal based on its unique genetic makeup.