Many individuals understand that there are situations where human DNA should be collected and tested. DNA analysis is significant since it can be used in placing someone at a crime scene. Also, it can be used in predicting response to specific medications and checking predisposition to diseases. Another pretty common situation is a paternity test or proving the biological family of someone who is adopted, or there are chances the person was kidnapped. But did you know the same analysis can be done on pets such as cats and dogs?
The era of DNA testing for pets has increased since the preliminary test was availed in 2017. Veterinary clinics have been a significant source for these tests. However, in the recent past, several reputable websites have been gaining popularity. Online service providers enhance accessibility and convenience more than before. Here are the tips and why pets should get your pets DNA analyzed.
Breed Discovery
One crucial reason pet owners may want to examine the DNA for their domestic animals is to help them discover which breed they are. They are processed and run through the professional’s vast database of accredited dog breeds.
The entire DNA from the cheek cells of your dog is recorded. Also, you get to know the breeds found in your dog’s distinctive canine ancestry.
Also, according to the expert, you might test your cat because if your cat is a familiar breed, the experts will detect that relationship with maximum probability.
Once you are aware of a dog or cat breed, also you can check which diseases they might predispose to.
For instance, if a DNA result shows that a dog is an Australian shepherd, it might be at risk of cardio diseases. Additionally, this type of breed and other collie-type breeds often react immensely to specific drugs. But once you have detected a dog’s breed, it is easy to steer clear of specific medications.
Detecting a breed through DNA testing and analysis can also ensure pets are categorized based on their personalities. How much do they enjoy exercising? Will they be getting along with children?
How do Experts Collect DNA?
Identical to humans, a pet’s DNA can be collected through a buccal swab sample or blood sample. Since obtaining a blood sample at home is not easy, a buccal swab is the most preferred method for the DNA kits you buy online. When it comes to dogs, the procedure of cheek swabs can be done at any age, even on nursing puppies.
After ordering your DNA testing kits, your preferred website will send you the best products depending on the number of samples required for thorough testing.
Before swabbing your pets’ cheeks, it will help ensure there is no foot in its mouth. You will be gently but firmly rubbing the swab into your pet’s cheek.
Carefully insert the swab into the given transport system. The experts will use polymerase Chain Reaction Testing (CPR) for accurate results. The above-outlined points will make you understand the significance of getting a DNA test done on your pets.
Why are the DNA tests for pets important?
DNA tests for pets are a good way to find out more about their health and susceptibility to disease and disorders. Cat or dog owners are not always ready for this, because we all want to believe that our pet is healthy and has no other problems.
It can be difficult for the vet to take a sample, but the owner can easily gain the trust of the pet. Genetic testing is not mandatory, but the owner can do it to prevent inherited diseases from adversely affecting the animal.
Every breed has some specific perks that can affect the overall health and behavior, and researchers are usually focused on the dogs, because of the variety of breeds. Cats are simpler – they come in similar sizes and similar looks, but for dogs, it can be really challenging to know what to do in every possible situation. If you don’t have an explanation for some kind of behavior, or the disease that your pet has, maybe the gene testing will give you all the answers and help you successfully treat the dog or cat.
It’s especially important for the dogs, because there are so many different breeds, and they are either natural or hybrid. Some of them were genetically manipulated long ago, so the bad genes can be “removed”, but all breeds tend to get back to what they were through the years, and diseases may appear again.
Also, every breed is specific enough, and the DNA tests will help detect their weaknesses successfully, in order to know how to prevent further problems with your fluffy friend. Also, you can check the DNA sample to see if a group of fluffs is related or not.
On the other hand, cats don’t have a lot of different breeds, and they are similar in size and looks – it’s just their coat that makes them so different. Their genes are different than dogs’, so we can’t put them all in one place and claim all the pets are the same.