Investing in Your Dog’s Future: Understanding Cost vs. Value in Dog DNA Tests
Like any family member, your dog’s health and happiness is a top priority. Dog DNA testing offers invaluable insights into your dog’s breed, lineage, and potential health risks.
But is the cost of dog DNA testing really worth it?
This article explores the value of dog DNA testing, and how the costs of such testing are totally worth it.
What do Dog DNA Tests do?
Dog DNA tests offer three benefits. First, they reveal health risks. Your dog’s genetic vulnerabilities can be revealed by them. They can also reveal any potential serious genetic disorders, or other relevant health information. You can save thousands of dollars in treatment costs by knowing this info early on.
Second, they identify your dog’s breed (or mix) precisely. If you adopted a mixed-breed dog from a shelter and don’t know what to expect, this is especially valuable. Knowing the particular vulnerabilities and needs of some breeds early and accurately is empowering.
Finally, they also unveil your dog’s ancestry and heritage.
Understanding the Cost of Dog DNA Testing
The test reveals a lifetime of information for an initial fee – they typically cost between $70 to $200.
You only need to do a dog DNA test once, and the process is quick and easy. Simply swab your dog’s cheek with a home dog DNA test kit. Then you store it in a sealed container from the kit, which makes it ready for transport to a reliable lab.
A few factors can affect the price. First, the brand matters. You might pay a little more for well-established brands with a reputation for accuracy and comprehensive feedback.
Second, the information depth and breadth of your test affect the price. Basic tests are cheaper, but more comprehensive tests that cover multiple things cost more. More accurate tests usually examine and compare a larger number of genetic markers.
Understanding these cost drivers should help you to find a DNA test that fits your budget while meeting your specific needs.
The Value in Dog DNA Tests
You may rightfully wonder if spending $70 – $200 on a dog DNA test is actually going to get your dollars’ worth?
DNA testing makes a proactive approach possible. You can lessen or even avoid future health issues by knowing a dog’s genetic weaknesses beforehand. Information from DNA testing your dog can help you to…
- Make smart dietary changes for your dog to prevent allergies.
- Go to regular screenings with your local vet to catch any vision problems early; something certain breeds are very vulnerable to.
- Anticipate sensitivity to medication.
- Confirm the breed of your dog.
Personalise your dog/puppy training. You can be prepared to tackle your dog’s most likely behaviour, energy levels, exercise, and training needs. E.g. a Border Collie mix might need more mental stimulation, while a Labrador Retriever mix might need more exercise.
The Value for Dog Breeders
Professional dog breeders need DNA tests to both add value and protect their business. DNA tests help professional breeders make proven claims about their dogs’ health and lineage.
Breeders also need information on dog genetics and epigenetics when they set up breeding pairs. This is to make sure that no genetic disorders are passed down to future generations. In this regard, DNA testing is a kindness, perhaps even a moral obligation. It is also probably bad for business if your puppies have horrible genetic disorders – not to mention horrible for the puppies.
The bottom line for breeders? You should be DNA testing your dogs.
The Value For Non-professionals – Like You and Me
The value of DNA testing might be unclear for the average dog household. A hypothetical example will highlight the benefits of DNA tests for everyday household dog owners like us much more clearly…
The Story of Max, the Unexpectedly Sensitive Bull Mastiff
Introducing Max, the big lovable bullmastiff of the Smith family. The Smith family tested Max’s DNA. They discovered that he had a genetic mutation called MDR1.
The MDR1 gene mutation makes dogs very sensitive to certain medications. So, when Max got a bad case of mange, knowing about Max’s sensitivity probably saved him from catastrophe.
What is mange? Mange is a mite infestation that can be very severe – Max’s mange was severe. He had itchy sores and irritated exposed skin over most of his legs and tummy.
Max’s vet wanted to prescribe Ivermectin to treat the mange. Ivermectin is used in high doses for specific cases of severe mange just like Max had.
Here’s where the knowledge from Max’s DNA test became crucial. Because the Smith family had done the DNA test and discovered that Max was sensitive to drugs – specifically Ivermectin (and drugs in the same class as Ivermectin), the vet quickly changed the treatment to include shampooing with dips and tried to avoid giving any oral medications.
That choice was life saving because Ivermectin (in doses needed to treat mange properly) can lead to terrible side effects when given to dogs with the MDR1 gene mutation. Side effects can vary quite a lot, but can include seizures, loss of control over bodily movements (ataxia), and even life-threatening coma.
The Value of Max’s DNA Test
The early DNA test saved the Smiths from the potential financial strain of helping Max recover from a deadly reaction to medication. It also saved them the heart-breaking sight of their beloved pet being put in even more danger and distress. Without the test, most people would never suspect a bull mastiff of having the MDR1 mutation. Luckily, the Smith’s knew the truth – it’s always better to know.
Put it this way. If nothing is amiss with your dog’s genes, then at least you know that fact for sure – peace of mind! However, if something is up, then you know what to do, what to expect, and how best to proceed.
Finally, the Smith’s didn’t just get health info, they also got to know about Max’s ancestry, and lineage. That info is also useful and practical because they were better able to anticipate Max’s needs and tailor his diet, exercise and training appropriately.
If costs are not an issue for you, then dog DNA testing is always worth it. If you’re a dog breeder, then there is no question; you have to use this technology to enhance your business.
If cost is important to you, and you want to make sure you only spend what you can to get the benefit you most need, then sit tight, the rest of this article is for you.
Cost of Dog DNA tests vs. Value: Making Your Decision
To best balance cost and value, consider your needs and your dog’s needs. A basic test will be perfect for you if you have a mixed-breed dog and are simply curious about their heritage. If you’re looking to prevent potential health issues or need detailed breed identification, then a more comprehensive test is definitely the way to go
Choosing the Right Test
Choosing the right dog DNA test comes down to a few key factors.
- Identify Your Needs: Are you mainly interested in breed identification, health information, or ancestry? Different tests specialise in different areas.
- Consider Your Budget: Expensive tests offer more comprehensive results, but there are affordable options that provide valuable insights too.
- Check for Accuracy and Scope: Choose tests that analyse a high number of genetic markers to make sure they have the most reliable results.
- Read Reviews: User reviews can give a real-world perspective on ease of use, accuracy, and overall satisfaction.
There are plenty of good options out there on the market. Here are three pretty good options depending on what you’re looking for:
- A Good all-around Comprehensive Test: Embark Breed & Health Dog DNA Test. It provides in-depth health and breed information. Embarkvet.com
- Great Value for Money: Wisdom Panel Essential. This is a more affordable test that still offers breed and basic health information. Wisdom Panel
- Superb Breed Identification: DNA My Dog Breed Identification Test (Basic or Premium). This test specialises in breed identification. DNA My Dog
The Bottom Line
Dog DNA testing is a powerful investment for your dog’s health, needs, care, and training. It always pays off in the long run, especially if you choose the right test based on your needs and budget.
Go get your dog tested today – better value is hard to find.
Sources & Further Reading
- Embark Dog DNA Test. (n.d.). Embark.
- Wisdom Panel Dog DNA Test. (n.d.). Wisdom Panel.
- DNA My Dog Breed Identification Test. (n.d.). DNA My Dog.
- For those who want to ‘deep-dive’ into some scientific literature regarding DNA testing for domestic dogs, look no further than here.
Mellersh, Cathryn. (2011). DNA testing and domestic dogs. Mammalian Genome: official journal of the International Mammalian Genome Society. 23. 109-23. 10.1007/s00335-011-9365-z. - Ivermectin is also used to prevent heartworm infection – it should be safe at doses used for heartworm prevention, even in dogs with the MDR1 mutation. Check these AMS heartworm treatment guidelines – Full pdf online here.
- Treating demodectic Mange: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/mange-demodectic-in-dogs
