How Pet DNA Tests Help Pet Owners Make Smarter Health Decisions

Given the choice – to receive one million dollars or understand your pet, which would you choose? Surely, most owners would sacrifice everything they have to understand what their furry companion thinks or feels. Unfortunately, tech advancements are not so advanced yet.

However, there’s an opportunity to gain insights into understanding our pets on a deeper level. We’re talking about pet DNA tests that have become increasingly popular over the recent years. Earlier, pet owners had an opportunity to understand the breed makeup, but now, pet parents can make smarter health decisions based on a pet DNA test.

Let’s dive deep into the valuable insights we can get from a single pet DNA test.

What are pet DNA tests?

People do DNA tests to learn more about their ancestry and to find out about their genetic predisposition to certain diseases. In this way, we can become more knowledgeable about ourselves and take precautions if we have a predisposition to underlying health conditions.

It’s the same with DNA tests for pets. By performing a simple cheek swab at home, we can get a fuller picture of our little friends in a short time. You just need to send a sample to the laboratory and wait till it’s analyzed.

Renowned pet care genetic companies are leading the way in this field. They are helping pet caretakers fully understand what might be hidden in their pet’s genes. Thus, pet owners can gain peace of mind when they know a little bit more about what their pets can’t tell them.

A preventive strike against serious health problems

The biggest advantage of a DNA test is that it gives you an opportunity to identify some health risks before they turn into serious health issues. It’s not a secret that some breeds are more prone to this or that disease. For instance, German Shepherds, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers are predisposed to skeletal conditions that cause joint pain and mobility issues. Sphynx are predisposed to skin infections.

There are many examples. However, it doesn’t mean that your Labrador will certainly have this or that disease. Every pet is unique. And if you perform a test, you’ll know what precautions you can take to prolong the life of your friend and make them happy.

Here are some other genetic conditions you can identify with a test:

1. Cardiomyopathy. Some breeds, like Dobermans can have a heart condition that weakens the heart’s ability to pump blood;

2. Polycystic Kidney Disease. Long-haired breeds like Persian cats can have a condition that can potentially lead to kidney failure.

No one wants their pets to be in poor health. We can’t change the DNA, but we can have an idea of what health issues our pets may have. And we can do our utmost to mitigate the risks.

You can ask: “But what can I do?” For example, if you do the test and figure out that your dog is predisposed to skeletal conditions, you can focus on joint-friendly nutrition, weight management, and low-impact exercise. In this way, you’ll prevent stress on the joints.

Awareness is the key. As they say, forewarned is forearmed.

Making our pets’ lives longer

There’s one wish every pet owner has. Everyone wants their pets to live longer and stay with us as long as they can. And this depends not only on our pets and their genes but also on us.

According to the HealthforAnimals, life expectancy has risen by more than 200% in some nations. It’s not just for the sake of luck but because pet owners have become more knowledgeable about how they can take care of their pets. This is due to the following reasons:

❖    Greater levels of vaccination;

❖    Improved vet care;

❖    Increased awareness of the needs of pets.

Preventive care can mean a lot for pet owners and pets as well. Everyone is afraid of the worst-case scenario. Usually, it’s cancer in the terminal stage. Unfortunately, we’re not wizards who can make all the bad go away.

However, a pet DNA test can lead you to early prevention. If your pet is predisposed to cancer, you’ll know that regular screening is essential. You can catch the disease at an early stage. Most importantly, the treatable stage.

Are pet DNA tests worth It?

When it comes to health, many people begin to regret that they didn’t take care of their health issues much earlier. Pet DNA tests cost $80-$200. Some people might say that it’s a waste of money. However, we can disagree because the insights that you can get far outweigh the cost.

When the illness is progressing, the cost of treating it can be significant. And it’s only the financial side. But what about your emotions? Early prevention can do magic both financially and emotionally.

Final say

The advent of robust pet DNA tests has given pet owners an opportunity to give their furry friends the best possible chance at a long and healthy life. You can perform a test at home and get a detailed report on genetic health risks. Moreover, you can figure out how to optimize nutrition and take advantage of preventive care.