Pet DNA Tests: All Your Questions Answered

Before we get into the nitty-gritty about pet DNA tests, let’s do a quick, brush-up science lesson.

DNA is the acronym for deoxyribonucleic acid. “DNA is the molecule [that exists] in most of the body’s cells that carries the genetic code for the individual,” says Dr. Brown.

Basically, DNA is like IKEA assembly instructions for all living organisms. It dictates how all living organisms create proteins that help us develop, function and grow.

A pet DNA test is an easy and effective way to obtain genetic information from a specific pet, says Dr. Brown.

Through genetic testing, “a simple cheek swab sample can reveal a huge amount of genetic information about your pet,” he says.

It really just depends on the test.

“DNA testing for pets can be done with multiple goals in mind, including identification of specific breeds/breed mixtures, identification of genetically linked disease potential, and prediction of physical traits,” explains Dr. Brown.

But any genetic information obtained via pet DNA tests can be helpful and impactful when trying to achieve the best for your fur baby.

Good news, fellow pet parents. Turns out, there are many potential benefits to pet DNA testing—for you, your pet and your veterinarian. According to Dr. Brown, they help:

1. Identify breed or breed mix and common genetic predispositions to guide diagnostic testing and treatments. Knowing your pet’s breed or breed mix is also helpful for navigating training, breed restrictions for housing rental agreements, local pet ordinances, and approvals for insurance policies.
2. Identify specific genetic mutations to guide lifestyle, medical care and diagnostic testing. This can help you and your veterinarian come up with a preventive care plan, so you better your pet’s chances of a longer and happier life.

Here’s the thing: Science isn’t always perfect, and accuracy can’t be 100 percent guaranteed. But that doesn’t mean you should pass them up.

In recent years, major advancements have been made with the science and techniques involved. Even better: The accuracy for most pet DNA tests is pretty high—like, above 90 percent high.

“The Embark Dog DNA test panel claims accuracy of greater than 99 percent for genetic mutations tests and most linkage-based tests,” says Dr. Brown. “As far as cats are concerned, there is some limitation with the breed information that can be gained through DNA testing, but there is a wealth of information that can be gained regarding specific genetically linked diseases.”

All DNA tests can provide valuable information when it comes to genetically linked diseases, but there are some big differences when it comes to breed identification of dogs and cats.

“Dogs have undergone thousands of years of domestication by humans through selective breeding for specific purposes and specific traits,” explains Dr. Brown. “Through this selective breeding process, many different identifiable dog breeds have been established.”

But cats? They don’t have the same kind of history when it comes to domestication and selective breeding by humans.

“Selective breeding of cats is known to have started within the past 200 to 300 years, while evidence suggests dogs have been domesticated by humans for over 30,000 years,” Dr. Brown says.

Whoa.

“This relatively short time frame of selective breeding of cats has resulted in a more diverse genetic code and fewer links to specific defined cat breeds,” he says.

Basically, canine DNA tests can more accurately identify specific breeds than cat DNA tests can.

Like a fine wine, DNA testing technology improves with time.

The first dog DNA test was released in 2007 and only used saliva samples for analyses. With decades now under their belts, companies have iterated and improved their technology. But as we previously learned, cat DNA tests are a little newer to the game, so they’re not as comprehensive when it comes to testing.

With that being said, Dr. Gillette suggests you keep a few factors in mind, as they could affect reliability of pet DNA tests.

For dogs and cats: Pet DNA tests can ask for DNA samples via blood, hair, or skin. But Dr. Leslie Gillette recommends choosing a DNA test kit that requires a cheek swab.

“This method of sample collection is quick and easy for a pet parent to collect at home, painless to the pet, and eliminates the need for a trip to the veterinarian for assistance with the collection procedure.”

According to Dr. Leslie Gillette, the Embark and Wisdom Panel kits appear to be the most accurate options for dog DNA testing.

Basepaws appears to offer the most comprehensive testing options for cats.

The best dog DNA tests:

• Wisdom Panel Essential Breed Identification DNA Test for Dogs
• Wisdom Panel Premium Breed Identification & Health Condition Identification DNA Test For Dogs
• Wisdom Panel Breed Discovery Breed Identification DNA Test for Dogs
• Embark Breed Identification DNA Test for Dogs
• Embark Dog DNA Test for Purebred Dogs
• Embark Breed Identification & Health Condition Identification DNA Test for Dogs

The best cat DNA tests:

• Wisdom Panel Complete Cat DNA Test

• Bundle: Wisdom Panel Premium Breed Identification & Health Condition Identification DNA Test For Dogs + Cat Complete DNA Test

It’s important to choose a pet DNA test based on what you hope to learn from or achieve with the test results.

• Want to know about your pet’s ancestry and/or medical history? Look for a test with a greater number of genetic health markers available for testing. Both Wisdom Panel and Embark provide a family tree with a breed makeup that goes as far back as two or three generations (parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents).
• Looking to have a fuller picture of your pet’s breed or breed mix? Choose a test with a greater number of breed markers available for testing.

If you want to choose both, choose a test that offers results across genetic and breed testing.

Identifying why you want to do a cat or dog DNA test makes the decision-making process easier. But keep in mind, you get what you pay for.

“Choosing a less expensive or less widely researched test kit may yield results that are more vague than useful,” says Dr. Gillette. So, do the research beforehand and look out for these red flags:

• Lack of credibility or longevity as a company
• Lack of testing parameters related to testing
• Lack of validation, regulation and quality control standards

“If the ‘science’ behind their product is vague, there is a good chance that the results you receive for your pet will be vague as well,” Dr. Gillette says.

Reading the results can be difficult (ahem, science) and can cause you to go on a Googling spree. Nothing good comes from googling genetic or medical conditions—NOTHING. Instead, schedule a visit with your regular veterinarian to have them interpret the results.

Most pet parents (including myself) won’t understand what a positive biomarker means—i.e., If your dog tests positive for a genetic mutation or medical condition, it doesn’t mean they’re destined to get it. So, avoid rash interpretation and implementation of aggressive treatment protocols, behavioral modifications, or considerations of euthanasia in an asymptomatic pet.

Ask your veterinarian to explain what physical or behavioral changes to look for as the pet matures, and keep an open line of communication with the veterinary team. This way, you can provide strategic, thoughtful, and proactive care throughout your pet’s life (and steer clear of unnecessary freak-outs).

Well, it depends on the pet DNA test you buy! Recalling that IKEA analogy, you likely wouldn’t build a new TV console without looking at the instructions first, right? So, follow that same protocol with pet DNA tests and follow the directions exactly.

Got a cheek/saliva collection test in hand? Great! Follow these steps:

1. Check the space between your pet’s cheek and teeth/gums to ensure food particles aren’t present.
2. Open the package. Remove the swab without touching the end of it.
3. Press the end of the swab firmly against your pet’s cheek. This may require you to put counter pressure on the outside of your pet’s cheek.
4. Roll and rotate each swab against each cheek. Be sure to avoid contact with your pup or kitty’s tongue and teeth as it could compromise the quality of the sample.
5. Allow the swabs to dry before placing them in the supplied transportation container.
6. Ship ’em off and wait for results!

If using pet DNA test kits that require hair or blood samples, contact and work with your veterinarian.

Typically, you’ll do a pet DNA test once in your pet’s lifetime. However, you could do it more if you’re curious to see how the results vary as technology evolves, and results become more accurate. This is especially true if you’re worried about genetic conditions.

“If your pet was tested for their breed before genetic disease testing became available, you may wish to have new testing done on your pet to determine if they are a carrier or at risk for certain testable genetic diseases,” says Dr. Howe.

No, pet DNA test kits for both dogs and cats that require a simple cheek swab are available online and can be done at home. However, if you opt for a dog or cat DNA test kit that requires a blood, fur, or skin sample, you should call your vet and work with their team to get the best results for your pet. 

Your pet’s DNA test results may seem confusing, so you should book an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss any biomarkers, genetic predispositions, or health risks their test results may point to. These do not guarantee your pet will develop these specific health issues—a DNA test is not their destiny!

Ask your vet about behavioral or physical changes to watch for in your pet as these relate to your pet’s DNA test results. Take notes to bring to future visits so you can be proactive and discuss these topics, as well any diagnostic testing, throughout your pet’s lifetime. 

First, identify why you want to do a pet DNA test, and choose from a reputable company with a long, credible history.

If you want more information about your pet’s breed mix, then choose a pet DNA test kit with more breed markers to get the most comprehensive breed analysis. If you want to know more about your dog or cat’s potential health risks, then choose a test with a greater number of genetic markers. 

Note that cat DNA test kits can be less accurate regarding breed analysis since cats haven’t been domesticated and bred by humans for as long as dogs.

A pet DNA test kit can help identify your pet’s breeds/breed mix (and predict their eventual size and physical traits based on breed), as well as any potential for genetically linked health risks they may have.

Planning to get your furbaby DNA tested? Share your vet-approved learnings with us by tagging @Chewy on Instagram.