Dog DNA Test – What’s Involved and What Steps Are Required?
Although DNA dog breed identification tests have been available for more than two years, most owners of mixed breed dogs still haven’t heard of them. In the past, DNA testing was familiar to readers of crime novels as a very expensive and high-tech tool available only to sophisticated laboratories. But today it is still high tech and the equipment and processes are just as complex, but the cost has come down to the point where it is affordable for the average dog owner. This is due to the large volume of processed tests and the appearance of modern automation equipment.
BioPet Vet Lab collected DNA from hundreds of purebred dogs to build a database of 63 of the most common breeds that covers approximately 92% of the US dog population. Testing a dog using the BioPet Vet Lab Canine DNA Identification Test couldn’t be much simpler.
What does a dog DNA test involve?
- Customer information card
- 2 applicators with a polyester tip in a paper wrapper (tampons)
- Detailed but simple instructions
- Prepaid return envelope
How is DNA collected?
The DNA test requires collecting cells from your dog’s cheeks (some mistakenly think this is a saliva test). Because cheek cells are constantly shed, they are easily accessible.
- Fill out the card with client information (dog’s name, your name, etc.).
- Make sure your dog hasn’t eaten in the last 60 minutes.
- Remove the swabs from the paper wrapper and rub one swab vigorously on the inside of one cheek for at least ten seconds. Repeat inside the other cheek with the second swab. The more firmly and the longer the swabs are rubbed on each cheek, the more cheek cells will be collected and the more successful the test results.
- Allow the swabs to air dry completely for at least 30 minutes before returning them to the paper wrapper.
- Write your dog’s name on the sleeve of the swab.
- Place the swabs and client information card in the prepaid envelope and return to the BioPet Veterinary Laboratory.
If you are testing more than one dog, be sure to keep the dogs separated and do not allow litter from different dogs to come into contact with each other. This can lead to cross-contamination and lead to inaccurate results.
BioPet Vet Lab will perform a DNA analysis and mail the results in about two weeks (which is much faster than other labs). Of course, there will be additional time for the swabs to be sent to the lab and the results mailed back to you.
#Dog #DNA #Test #Whats #Involved #Steps #Required
