We tested Petey, who took an earlier version of Wisdom’s DNA test about five years ago. Why We Love It: Improved testing in recent years, chromosome breakdown, vet consult for at-risk findings.On the other hand, it was a soft, sponge-like texture which looks more comfortable than other tests that use bristles. It may be tricky for large breeds to get a good sample without chewing it up. The one drawback was the test swab’s tiny size. Embark also has purebred, gut health and oral health tests (the Breed + Health test we used is their best-seller). The website is informative and there are plenty of customizable options-if you want to save money and learn breed composition only, there’s a test for that. We really loved being kept in the loop by Embark through emails notifying us when the sample arrived and alerting us it was in processing. And in a fun (and teensy bit Big Brother-ish) added feature, Embark lets you find and connect with any other dogs who share your pet's DNA, as long as they used Embark to test also. Additionally, it tests for 256 diseases including glaucoma, degenerative myelopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy. We also learned Gretchen has an increased risk of developing mast cell tumors, for which Embark offered actionable steps Gretchen’s mom can take to help her dog live a long, healthy life.Ĭreated in collaboration with the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, this test draws on a database of more than 350 breeds and provides results in between two and four weeks (our test took 13 days from the time it arrived at the lab and when results were emailed to us). Embark results showed Gretchen is in fact 100 percent pit bull! Had she been a mixed breed, Embark would’ve given us a cool family tree breakdown. We tested Gretchen, whose mama adopted her and figured she’s an American Pit Bull Terrier. Why We Love It: Connects relatives, regular progress updates, actionable steps to take with health risks.What It Tests: Breed mix, genetic health risks, traits, ancestry.Results Presentation: How easy it was to interpret the results, navigate the website and find information we wanted.Reliability: Results are only as good as the science behind them! Several of our dogs had also been tested before, which helped us decipher the newer data.Ease of Use: No test was above and beyond the others here, as each requires you to stick a swab into your dog’s mouth for an extended period of time.Functionality: How well a test was built in terms of opening it up, using it and sending it off.We considered the price compared with how much information you get in your results. Value: As mentioned, some kits cost way more than others.Breeds: All of the test kits on our list have the capability to compare your dog’s DNA with more than 350 official breeds, so you can’t go wrong here.Why We Love It: Extras that make the test stand out from the pack.What It Tests: Some look only at breeds while others give detailed data on health risks directly linked to your dog’s DNA sample.We took lots of factors into consideration while testing these dog DNA kits. This made getting a sample from his cheek much easier because he was used to his dad sticking a brush in his mouth. We also noticed one test subject had a much easier time than the others because his parents regularly brushed his teeth, which vets say is crucial for a canine’s all-around health. This was pretty unpleasant for most dogs, so it can be a challenge. Then, you’ll have to swab your dog’s cheek for 15 to 20 seconds. We think the longer, the better, so if you can test first thing in the morning before your dog has eaten breakfast (or played with dogs of other breeds at the park!), that’s what we recommend. While you can test puppies, testing an adult dog will provide more reliable results.Įvery test asked subjects to abstain from eating for a period of time before testing. You’ll have to provide your dog’s sex, age (estimations are fine if you’re not sure) and whether or not they’ve been neutered or spayed. When you register your dog DNA test kit, you’ll need some basic statistics about your pup.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |