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Pet DNA testing can be fun, and many of us are completely surprised to discover which breeds actually make up our furry friend’s pedigree. You may never have imagined that your 10-pound dog had Great Dane ancestry, or that your dog who hates swimming has a Poodle in his past!
And as an added bonus, with a simple cheek swab, some genetic tests can provide vital clues about your dog or cat’s current health, as well as what you can expect as they age.
Basic Breed Tendencies
Your pet’s DNA test results can reveal how he got his fur color, ear shape, or leg length, but breed-specific information can also be helpful in behavior and training . Not all dogs live up to their breed’s reputation, and when these breeds come together, you can’t necessarily predict whether the stereotypes of stubborn, smart, or playful will dominate. But some dog breeds are generally more athletic or require more mental stimulation. So if you discover that your dog is part Australian Shepherd, you may consider agility or herding classes, in addition to regular walks and playtime, to keep your dog And your family fit and calm. Or, if you discover a Golden Retriever in your dog’s family tree, you might be more understanding when he seems to want more pets and cuddles than you expected.
Although DNA testing was developed for cats, the depth and breadth of breed profiles is not as broad as for dogs. But progress is constantly happening in veterinary medicine!
Hereditary health problems
As we have learned from the prevalence of familial and medical genetic testing in humans, DNA testing can provide us with plenty of information to share with our medical care teams. Although a genetic predisposition to a certain disease doesn’t automatically mean you’ll develop a problem, your doctors can be on the lookout. It’s the same for your pet’s veterinary care team.
THE Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine explains that when it comes to seeking information about hereditary health problems, pet genetic testing looks for “markers that reveal whether your dog will develop a genetic problem…” In other words, at- Beyond recognizing breed predispositions in your pet’s genetic makeup, your veterinary team can benefit from knowing whether your pet is at specific risk for problems such as blindness or drug sensitivity.
How Veterinarians Consider Genetics in Pet Health Care
Again, the presence of a certain breed or genetic marker in DNA test results does not necessarily determine an animal’s health fate. But here are some steps that your veterinary team could take according to the results of genetic tests:
It all depends on your specific pet and their specific outcomes, and at Androscoggin Animal Hospital we are always interested in what is best for your dog, cat, exotic or pocket pet. Call us at (207) 729-4678 to set up a personalized veterinary visit Today!