Have you ever wanted to know about what conditions your dog may be genetically predisposed to so that you can try to prevent them?
Perhaps you would like to check whether your dog is purebred? Or if your dog has mixed ancestry would you like to see what breeds make them look or behave a certain way?
Well, now you can! At Active Pet we have been asked to be one of only 10 veterinary practices to get involved in the Royal Canin Genetic Health Analysis test in the UK.
The DNA test involves taking a swab of your dog’s cheek cells, which then get sent to the laboratory. The lab will analyse your dog’s DNA sample for over 180 genetic diseases and will also tell you more about your dog’s ancestry.
Knowing your dog’s genetic makeup will help you and your Vet understand what conditions we might need to watch out for. In the clinic setting it may change what drugs or dosages we give to your pet. Knowing your dog’s DNA and genetic makeup will enable us to make sure your dog is as safe as possible. We can minimise side effects when we need to use anaesthetics, drugs or medications.
If your pet has been flagged up as carrying DNA and genes for a specific condition it will allow us to put you in touch with the experts in that field. These experts can then tell you if it is something that should be further investigated and how best it should be addressed. Additionally it will allow us to monitor your pet more closely for any warning signs and advise on the most appropriate lifestyle for them.
If you are a dog breeder the DNA test will help you to select the genetically healthiest studs and bitches to use. This will ensure that you can breed the best line going forwards. And you also get a certificate that you can use when you are selling your puppies to show that they are purebred and free from the genetic diseases tested.
If the test has flagged up any concerns then you will be able to log in to the website to find out more about the diseases and your pet’s risk. You can also speak to one of the geneticists or Vets if you wish to discuss anything further.
The DNA test also looks at your pet’s ancestry, so you can either check that your dog has a pure breed history or see what makeup your mixed breed is. The results may surprise you and give you a better understanding as to why your dog has certain behaviours and traits. Click here to view a sample report.
In order to take the test your dog cannot have any food for two hours prior to the cheek DNA swab being taken. The results of the swab usually take a couple of weeks to come back from the laboratory. Your pet does not have to be registered at the clinic for us to do the DNA test. We will forward the information onto your regular Vet so they will have the results too. The cost of the test is only £140, so do get in contact if you would like to book your dog in.
There is more information in the video below but we are happy to answer any questions if you would like to know anything else. (The video does mention a blood test but we are preferring to use a cheek swab to get DNA, which is just as good!)