Do you ever wonder why your dog looks the way he does? Or maybe where she got her silly personality ? Most important…do you know what health issues your pup might be up against simply due to his breed?
All of these things can be uncovered through your pup's unique DNA!
You see, doggy DNA tells a complete story about your pups – where they’ve come from AND where they’re going.
That’s why I’m so proud to partner with Embark, a dog DNA research company that offers the most accurate DNA test on the market.
Why is this so important?
Because it can help you provide the best training, best care, and best nutrition for your dog’s breed/combination of breeds.
And if nothing else…it’s fun to see what breeds created the pooch you see in front of you.
I’ve certainly seen some interesting combinations, and you might be surprised by yours!
So…why is doggy DNA so important to me? Other than the fact that it has the same letters as my name…
…DAN → DNA…
…Because it offers so much INFORMATION about your dog.
Is a DNA test right for your pup?
Here are three reasons I urge pup parents to get a doggy DNA test…
Reason #1 To Get A Doggy DNA Test: To Be Prepared For Common Health Issues
Different breeds struggle with different types of health issues. Knowing the breeds that make up your mutt can help you take preventative steps necessary to keep your pup healthy.
Here are some common health issues by breed:
Labrador Retrievers struggle with hip and elbow dysplasia, so if your pup has labrador lineage you can begin joint supplements at an early age to try to prevent this issue later in life.
German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia as well, often leading to paralysis. Again, knowing this means that you can start an early supplement regimen to keep your pup in tip-top shape.
Basset Hounds have such adorable floppy ears. But those ears are often prone to infections, so if your pup is part hound , you’ll want to make sure you’re inspecting and cleaning her ears frequently.
Yorkshire Terriers often struggle with digestive problems so it’s important to closely monitor their diet.
And I could go on…
Each breed comes with its own set of potential health issues. So knowing the unique combination of breeds that your dog possesses can help you (and your vet) monitor and prevent any hereditary health concerns.
Find out how Embark tests for over 200 health risks for your pup!
Reason #2 To Get A Doggy DNA Test: Understand The Temperament and Intelligence of Your Pooch
I personally believe that all dogs are capable of being good dogs.
However, a dog’s breed can certainly affect their temperament, energy level, and intelligence.
And these inherent traits DO affect how you train a dog!
For example, German Shepherds are notorious for being super intelligent, so it’s important to challenge and exercise their minds as well as their bodies. A friendly game of hide-and-seek with frisbees is a great way to nurture a pup that has some shepherd in him.
Or we all know how loveable and gentle golden retrievers are. That’s what makes them such a popular family pet! This breed thrives when they’re given lots of praise throughout the training process.
The same goes for energy levels. Some breeds just need more exercise than others.
If you’re noticing your pup often gets into things around the house or has a bad habit of chewing on your shoes, it could be because she’s not getting enough stimulation outside.
You might be surprised to find out that your mixed-breed dog has a high-energy ancestor in his family tree!
Knowing this information, you could add an extra walk each day to ensure he’s getting all the exercise and stimulation he needs to be a happy, obedient dog.
See how the Embark DNA test kit works!
Reason #3 To Get A Doggy DNA Test: It’s Downright Fun!
Dogs are a lot like humans, and just like you enjoy exploring your ancestry and looking at your family tree…it can be just as fun to see your dog’s heritage.
Sadly dogs can’t talk, but their DNA can!
So many times, if you rescue a pup from a shelter, you have no idea who that dog’s parents were…and the pup can’t tell you.
And looks can be deceiving…
We see it all the time in humans…a couple from two different cultures can have a baby that looks like he or she came from somewhere else.
The same is true with dogs.
Just because a pug and a beagle breed doesn’t mean that puppy is going to look like either parent. It’s so difficult just to look at a dog and just tell what breed it is .
How fun is it that there are testing kits like the Embark DNA kit that can help you find out!
Do you feel pretty confident that you know your dog’s origins?
Think again, because I see time and time again that there is a hidden breed somewhere in your dog’s ancestry that could play a role in its health (or demeanor).
It’s always a good idea to get your dog’s DNA tested EVEN IF YOU THINK YOU KNOW IT…because, well, we can never be sure 🙂
And one thing that just blows my mind…
Embark actually has a relative finder!
That means that, based on over 200,000 genetic markers, Embark can determine if any close relatives of your pup are in the company database.
How cool is that?!?
BONUS…By Testing Your Dog You’re Contributing Valuable Research!
Through its DNA testing, Embark has already discovered the genetic basis for many dog diseases and traits.
But Embark is not done.
Embark scientists continue to collect data to gain a deeper understanding of a dog’s origins…and they hope to continue making future genetic discoveries.
So by choosing an Embark DNA kit for your dog, you’re also contributing valuable insights to help future dog owners just like you!
What do you get when you choose an Embark DNA kit?
✔ Most accurate breed identification with over 350 breeds, types, and varieties tested
✔ Tests for over 200 health risks
✔ More than 20 trait tests
✔ Uses over twice as much genetic information to accurately determine your dog's breeds
✔ The world's only canine relative finder
✔ Developed by Dr. Adam Boyko, leading dog geneticist and professor at Cornell University
✔ Contribute to scientific discovery to help end preventable disease in dogs
✔ Updates to results whenever possible
✔ Highest-rated test on the market
✔ Highly specialized veterinarians and canine geneticists on staff to answer questions
So head over to the Embark website to take a look at the DNA test kits today! Embark and TODT are now running a special Spring Offer: Get $50 off the Breed + Health Kit by using the Discount Code SPRING50 at checkout. Expires soon, so jump in quick!
It’s easy, painless, and will give you so much information that will help your doggy live his best life.
Best of luck,
~Doggy DNA (I mean DAN!) 🙂
2 Responses
The dog pictured in the ad for Embark could be my dog’s sibling! My dog is part Australian Cattle dog, part Golden Retriever, part American Staffordshire Terrier, AND….part Bull Mastiff! One of my dog’s siblings had the DNA tested, and that was the result. I think it’s a great idea!
Wow Julie, what a happy coincidence! Thanks for your feedback too…. All the Best, Doggy Dan