Dog health tests are great ways to identify breed-specific and inherited health conditions. They can also tell you how your pup’s genes may affect their personality and behavior.
The best dog DNA tests will provide you with a comprehensive window into your pet’s genetics and give you a clearer picture of their future health needs.
PennHIP
PennHIP is a method of screening dogs for hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis. Veterinarians who have undergone training can use the procedure to evaluate your dog’s hips.
In the process of testing, a dog is sedated to allow the muscles to relax and a series of radiographs are taken, including three different views: compression view, distraction view, and hip extended view. These x-rays are sent to a boarded veterinary radiologist, who assesses the joint health and calculates the Distraction Index (DI).
The DI is the most accurate indicator of the likelihood that your dog will develop osteoarthritis later in life. A lower DI indicates tighter fitting joints, which can reduce the risk of hip disease.
Embark
Embark is one of the best places to get your dog health tested. Its DNA kit is easy to use and provides a comprehensive look at your dog’s genetic health profile.
Having an understanding of your dog’s health can be an extremely valuable tool in helping you make informed decisions about their care and avoiding unnecessary and costly vet visits. It can also help you prepare for potential diseases and conditions that may arise in the future, which could potentially lead to a longer lifespan with your pet.
In addition to a breed identification report, Embark offers health screening for over 190 genetic health conditions, including over 230 conditions most relevant to your breed. Embark also offers package discounts for breeders.
Embark also makes it possible for you to find dogs that share your dog’s DNA, which is the first of its kind in the industry. This can be a great way to connect with other owners and build new friendships.
EasyDNA
EasyDNA is a leading DNA testing company that offers an extensive range of tests for humans, pets, and family members. Their test categories include paternity, relationship, ancestry, prenatal, clinical, and health tests, among others.
They also offer a variety of dog-centric tests that can help you learn about your pet’s specific breed traits and their health conditions. These include genetic age tests, breed-specific DNA testing, and allergy tests.
For example, veterinarians often recommend breed-specific genetic testing for dogs with inherited diseases, such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), which causes blindness in Gordon Setters and other herding breeds.
However, it’s important to remember that genetic information is not a substitute for veterinary care or professional advice from your veterinarian. In fact, a real-life case study shows how it can lead to inappropriate decisions by pet owners.
As part of its customer protection, EasyDNA uses 128-bit SSL encryption to protect your personal information. It does not keep your credit card details and will not process any extra payments unless you’ve explicitly requested it.
Wisdom Panel
Wisdom Panel offers both DNA tests and genetic consultations to pet parents who want more information about their dog’s health. The company believes that knowing more about your pet will allow you to care for them better, at every stage of their life.
The Wisdom Panel Essential dog test is an easy way to get a snapshot of your dog’s ancestry, breed mix and genetic health. It includes screenings for 350-plus breeds and a mix reported down to 1%, with dog ancestry traced back three generations.
The Essential test also includes more than 25 health complication tests that can identify your dog’s risks for medication sensitivity, immune deficiency and bleeding disorders. This information can help you plan ahead for your dog’s future needs and avoid complications during routine veterinary procedures.