After your dog or cat’s DNA test results come back, you might wonder what to do next.
For example, if your pet’s breed mix includes any breeds known to be at increased risk for certain diseases, you might want to talk to your veterinarian about steps to help prevent or manage those conditions.
Regarding disease prevention, some mixed-breed dogs and cats might have an advantage over their purebred counterparts.
For example, mixed-breed dogs are less likely than purebreds to inherit genetic defects that can lead to health problems.
And mixed-breed cats are generally less prone to developing hereditary disorders than purebreds.
Still, even mixed-breed pets can be at risk for certain conditions common in their parent breeds.
That’s why it’s essential to talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s DNA test results and what they might mean for your pet’s health.
Pet DNA testing
After testing a pet’s DNA for disease risks, an owner’s next step is to consult with a veterinarian to discuss the test findings and create a plan to reduce the pet’s risk of exposure to disease.
Disease risks
After your pet’s DNA test returns, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian to discuss the results and what they may mean for your pet’s health.
Many diseases have multiple genetic risk factors, so a DNA test is just one part of your pet’s overall health picture.
Additionally, your pet’s lifestyle, environment, and health history can contribute to their risk of developing certain diseases.
For example, even if your dog does not have any genetic risk factors for developing hip dysplasia, if they are overweight or have joint problems, their risk for developing the disease will be increased.
Therefore, it is essential to discuss the results of your pet’s DNA test with a professional who can help you interpret the results and make recommendations for keeping your pet healthy and reducing its disease risks.
Next steps
After you have had your pet’s DNA tested for disease risks, the next step is to talk to your veterinarian about the results.
They can help you interpret the results and create a customized healthcare plan for your pet based on their specific needs.
It would be best to keep up with regular vet appointments and screenings, as even pets with low disease risks can develop health problems later in life.
What to do if your pet tests positive?
If your pet tests positive for a disease, it is essential to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for treatment.
Depending on the condition, there may be different options for treatment, and your veterinarian can help you choose the best course of action for your pet.
There is no cure in some cases, such as rabies or heartworm disease, and treatment may be limited to managing symptoms.
Effective treatments can cure the infection in other cases, such as with Lyme disease or giardiasis.
How to prevent disease in pets?
After you have had your pet’s DNA tested for disease risks, the next step is to prevent your pet from getting those diseases.
This may include changes in diet, exercise, and weight management.
It may also have vaccinations and other preventive measures recommended by your veterinarian.
Conclusion and final thoughts 💭
After testing your pet’s DNA for disease risks, the next step is to speak with your veterinarian about which diseases your pet may be at risk for and what you can do to help prevent them.
Your veterinarian may recommend different vaccines or preventive measures depending on the test results.
They may also recommend changing your pet’s diet or exercise routine.
FAQs
What can pet DNA tests tell us about our pets?
Pet DNA tests can tell us a lot about our pets, including their ancestry, health risks, and personality traits.
They can also help us to find lost pets and reunite them with their owners.
What are the risks of knowing whether your pet has genetic markers in its DNA for a particular disease?
A few risks are associated with knowing whether your pet has genetic markers for a particular disease.
First, finding insurance or veterinary care may be more challenging if your pet has the markers.
Second, you may become more anxious about your pet’s health and watch for symptoms more closely.
Finally, if your pet does develop the disease, you may feel guilty or responsible.
Does having a genetic marker mean your dog will get a disease?
No, having a genetic marker does not mean your dog will get a disease.
However, it may increase the chances of your dog developing the disease.
Can DNA tell the breed of a dog?
Yes, DNA tests can tell the breed of a dog.
However, the accuracy of the test depends on the quality of the sample and the database the test is using.
