DNA tests allow you to have a better understanding of your dog’s and cat’s genetics. The types of tests can tell you if the dog affects any specific conditions or whether it passes on the genes associated with a condition of being bred from. Orivet is a dog and cat DNA testing service

Dog DNA tests

DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is composed of a series of substances known as nucleotides. It bears the unique blueprint for each living organism, from the smallest bacterium to humans. The genes are the segments of DNA, these code for specific proteins playing the central role to build, maintaining, and reproducing a cell.

Dogs have 20,000-25,000 genes located along 78 chromosomes compared to 46 in humans. In 2005, a research team published a paper describing the sequencing of the canine genome. It is a complete set of dog genes that gave breeders and owners a powerful tool to understand and care for dogs, which is also applicable to carts. The breakthrough has given the researchers a tool to identify genes for specific traits, including:

• Diseases
• Pinpointing genes
• Parentage

Uses of DNA testing

There are different uses of DNA testing for your dogs and cats.

Confirming parentage. It is a technology known as genetic fingerprinting used by law enforcement worldwide to effectively identify crime suspects. DNA snapshot of an individual, human, or canine uses the same technology. These profiles serve various functions, including:

• Positive identification of a dog
• Accurate pedigree tracking
• Confirmation of parentage

The test creates and records the dog’s genetic identification. The voluntary program adds value to the breeding programs by giving breeders ways to eliminate questions and concerns about parentage. Confirming parenting works by each gene present as two copies named “alleles”. The offspring will receive one copy of every gene from every parent.

DNA tests confirm parentage don’t use actual genes, but, other DNA sequences are referred to as markers. These are non functional genes, so DNA profiles are used for:

• Genetic identify
• Parentage verification

They don’t produce info about genetic diseases, appearance, or breed.

• Enforcing pet waste laws. The same technology used to put a finger on the poop-law scofflaws. One company offered genetic profiling service for managing the registry. If the waste is found where it doesn’t belong, the sample of cells is extracted from the feces, which is compared to an individual in the genetic profiles of the local dogs’ database.
• Determine mix in mixed-bred dogs. The DNA test reveals what breeds went into creating the dog’s name.
• Detect inherited diseases. Breeders have the responsibility to select the dams and sires that have the best chance of producing sound, healthy pups. Genetic testing plays a great role by giving breeders the heads-up that there can be a tendency toward diseases lurking in the dog’s DNA.

These are only a few of the uses of DNA testing for dogs and cats, there is more to learn.