Wellness testing is a program of check-ups and blood tests designed to detect early or hidden disease in pets that appear to be healthy.
This can help your vet catch problems before they become serious and costly, or prevent them altogether.
For example, a dog DNA test could identify certain genetic risk factors for developing cystine or urate stones in the urinary tract. If caught early, these diseases can often be managed with a special diet.
Cost
The cost of dog health testing depends on a few factors, including the type and extent of the tests, and your location. For instance, a basic blood panel in North Carolina costs about $145, while a similar service in California costs more.
In addition to routine tests, dogs need blood work when they undergo surgical procedures to ensure a safe procedure and that there are no issues that may interfere with anesthesia. A puppy’s initial blood work can also uncover any genetic disorders that might affect future veterinary care.
Wellness testing is a program of check-ups and blood tests designed to catch health problems in their earliest stages. Early detection and correction of medical problems means your dog can have a long, healthy life.
Time
Dog health testing can take a significant amount of time, from the initial appointment to the final test results. Your vet may need to run x-rays, blood work and other tests.
Your vet might recommend wellness screening tests to detect potential issues before they become serious, so your pet can get the treatment they need to thrive. These tests include a complete blood count (CBC), a biochemistry profile, urinalysis and thyroid hormone testing.
Genetic tests can help determine your dog’s genetic risk for developing certain health conditions. Some of these genetic tests can even be done while your dog is still a puppy, so you can prevent them from developing certain hereditary diseases.
These tests can be expensive, but they are worth it. They can help your dog lead a longer, healthier life and avoid costly vet bills.
Convenience
Wellness testing is a series of checkups and blood tests that are designed to detect early or hidden disease in dogs that appear healthy. This can lead to better health outcomes for pets and help prevent costly veterinary bills later on.
A basic combination CBC/blood chemistry panel costs between $100-$200 and can provide valuable insights to your vet, such as hormone levels or organ function. This is why vets recommend these tests on a regular basis.
Dog DNA tests can also help identify inherited diseases and traits that you may be unaware of. For example, some breeds have a gene that makes them prone to certain health issues, like a high blood pressure or a heartworm infection.
Embark offers breed-specific testing for more than 250 inherited diseases and traits, including hereditary cancers and drug sensitivities. Simply swab your dog’s cheek and send us their sample to get results in 14 days or less.
Accuracy
If you’re thinking about ordering a dog health test, make sure you understand the accuracy of the results. Some tests are more accurate than others, depending on their database size and the number of DNA markers used to identify breeds.
For example, Mars Petcare’s Wisdom Panel tests for over 350 genetic markers that go back to the dog’s great-grandparent level. It compares this information to its large breed database, then estimates the dog’s breed and sex.
The company also offers a wellness program that uses this information to help pet owners and their veterinarians diagnose and treat health conditions in an early and invasive way.
Embark CEO Jeff Davidson told us the company is committed to the accuracy of their test, saying it’s “as good as it gets.” He says they don’t make medical diagnoses but provide a wealth of information about your dog’s health to help them live longer and healthier lives. They also offer a Relative Finder service, where they can match your dog with other dogs in their community who share their DNA.