DNA tests have always been a sure way for humans to learn more about where they came from and the possibility of developing genetic health conditions. The same also applies to dogs. Dog genetic testing has many benefits. Not only does it inform you about your dog’s origin, but you can learn crucial information about its genetic makeup.
Unlike back in the day when dog testing was a complicated process, today, you can get a test kit at your nearest pet store and learn more about your dog DNA. If you have never done a DNA test on your dog, here are reasons why you should do it as soon as possible.
10 Reasons Why You Should Test Your Dog’s DNA
1. Get Detailed Information About Your Dog’s Breed
The first thing that people always want to know when they adopt a dog is the breed. You can rely on what the breeder tells you, or you can look at the physical characteristics and make your own judgment. But there is a more accurate method of discovering your dog breed, and that’s through dog genetic testing.
From a dog DNA test result, you can know your dog’s breed by an exact percentage. Considering there are more than 300 dog breeds, DNA tests can distinguish the exact breed. If your dog has a mixture of three breeds, that information will be presented in the exact ratios.
2. Learn More about Your Dog’s Traits
Thanks to DNA tests, you don’t have to stay with a dog for years to know its traits. DNA test results give you detailed data about your dog traits. From appearance to temperament, you can learn all about your dog and the behavior they may portray in the future. As a dog owner, this is very important as it prepares you to manage particular behavior that may pop up in the future.
3. You Get to Access Your Dog’s History and Ancestry
Even though you and your dog may have your way of communicating, it’s unfortunate that they can’t narrate where they came from. If you love your pet, wouldn’t you like to know their family history?
We have got great news for you. DNA tests also reveal a dog’s ancestry and history. You can know what breeds were their parents, grandparents, and even great grandparents. This applies to all types of dogs, even if they are purebred. Knowing about your dog’s family tree can help you establish a foundation for your dog’s traits and appearance.
4. Opportunity to Discover Genetic Risks
One of the main reasons pet owners perform dog genetic testing is to learn about genetic risks. It’s not just dogs, but human beings are victims of hereditary genetic conditions. Unlike humans, where we can learn about these genetic risks from relatives, dogs don’t have the same luxury. The only way to know about such is through a dog test.
To know about potential genetic disorders, you should get a DNA kit that offers health screening. There are more than a hundred dog genetic disorders. Examples include Muscular Dystrophy, Von Willebrand Disease, and Glaucoma. If the results come out positive for any genetic disorder, visit your vet, who will provide you with a preventative treatment plan. Should the results come out negative, you can lead a worry-free life knowing that nothing is wrong with your furry friend.
5. Weight Prediction
Have you ever owned a dog that never seems to add weight or vice versa? You can avoid living with uncertainty by getting your dog a DNA test. You can know what weight to expect from your dog when they mature from the results. This information comes in handy in identifying what weight is considered healthy for your dog.
6. Nutritional Recommendations
A dog’s health heavily relies on the food and supplements they consume. A vet can provide you with a detailed and nutritional diet plan. But, if you want to be sure of what foods have nutritional value to your furry friend, better take a DNA test. By knowing your dog’s breed and expected weight, you can narrow down to foods that will promote their health.
7. DNA Tests Can Help Find Your Dog’s Brothers
When you think about it, it’s not fair how dogs are often separated from their family. Would you like your pup to have a brother, sister, or cousin they can visit over the weekends? A DNA test can help you find their relatives.
Through Doggy DNA relative finder, after a genetic test is done, it is run through a database that looks for other dogs that share the same DNA. These updates are continuous, and even if you don’t find a relative now, don’t be surprised if one day you get a call from a dog DNA test provider telling you they found a match.
8. Contribution to Research
Even though this isn’t a direct benefit, the results can be used for research when you give your dog a DNA test. This research can help vets learn more about genetic disorders and develop the best treatment plans.
9. Genetic Testing Can Prolong a Dog’s Lifespan
If you know about your dog’s genetic makeup, you have a better chance of ensuring it lives longer. This is because you are aware of potential health risks and can prevent them early in advance.
10. It Can Boost Your Bond and Relationship
Getting the opportunity to know about your dog’s DNA is fun and interesting. Dogs are our best friends, and what better way is there for you to bond than know who they truly are. Knowing the breed, behavior, health risks, nutritional recommendations, and lifespan will take better care of them. As simple as a DNA test may seem, it can bring you closer to your furry friend and create an unbreakable bond.
What’s the Importance of Knowing Your Dog’s Exact Type of Breed?
Even though some canine lovers say that a dog shouldn’t be judged by its breed, its genetic makeup contributes immensely to its health. The main reason you should do a DNA test is to learn about your dog’s breed. Certain breeds tend to have a higher risk of health problems. Knowing your dog’s breed and the associated health risks can help you tailor the dog’s lifestyle to meet their needs.
Other than health information, knowing a dog’s breed helps you know their purpose in life and how to grant their desires. If your breed loves to hunt, taking them out on a hunting trip every weekend will make them happy. This information also contributes to understanding their behavior better.
Final Thoughts
You ca learn a lot from a dog DNA test. There is a wide range of dog DNA testing kits out there. You need to know what you want first. This is because some kits show family trees and health risks. Others only provide you with breed traits and weight recommendations. Before paying for a dog DNA test, confirm the information that the test will provide you with.