During the month of March, we all like to think we’re a little Irish. Whether your ancestry leads back to the Emerald Isle or not, who doesn’t want to feel like part of a celebration that includes rainbows, leprechauns, and lucky charms?!?! But let's not forget the four-legged good luck charms in our lives. Sure, we like to include our cats and dogs in all our holiday celebrations, decking them out in green bandanas and bows to match our Irish spirit, but do you ever wonder about your pet’s heritage? If you’re curious about your dog or cat’s ancestry or the many other secrets their genetic code can unlock, including health information, this St. Patrick’s Day could be the perfect time to dig into their roots.
Whether you’re looking for the luck of the Irish in your pet’s DNA or some insight into their risk factors for certain diseases or sensitivities, we’re here to help you explore the pros and cons of DNA testing your pet.
Pros: Why You Should Test Your Pet’s DNA
1. Discover Their Breed and Ancestry
For many pet owners, curiosity is the driving force behind DNA testing. If you adopted a mixed-breed dog or cat, learning about their genetic makeup can provide detailed information about the different breeds in your pet’s lineage. This can be fascinating and helpful in understanding your furry loved one’s behaviors and characteristics. For example: If your dog has a high percentage of Border Collie in their DNA, it may explain their boundless energy and desire to herd your toddler. Similarly, if your kitten has Maine Coon ancestry, you'll have an idea of their expected large size and fluffy coat.
2. Identify Potential Health Risks
DNA tests aren’t just for mutts and stray kittens, genetic code can bring to light many otherwise unknown details about your pet, even purebred animals with a documented lineage. Many pet DNA tests offer insights into genetic predispositions for certain health conditions. Knowing if your pet is at risk for diseases such as hip dysplasia, heart disease, or specific hereditary disorders can help you and your vet watch for issues and take preventive measures. Identifying multidrug sensitivity (indicated by the presence of the MDR1 gene) can help your vet stay away from certain medications to prevent further complications. And for cats, knowing their blood type in advance can be invaluable information in an emergency. Genetic diversity and carrier status of known inherited diseases are also essential information for responsible breeders and anyone considering breeding their dog or cat.
Note: Please discuss all DNA findings with your vet before making assumptions and altering your pet’s diet or lifestyle to address possible genetic diseases. Any health issues and medical decisions should always be approached and handled under the supervision of a qualified veterinary team.
3. Understand Your Pet’s Behavior and Personality
Breed genetics play a role in temperament and can strongly influence personality traits. Analyzing your pet’s DNA can provide valuable insights into your dog or cat's behavior. For instance, some breeds (dog and cat) are more naturally independent, while others seek constant companionship. Understanding your pet’s genetic makeup can help you tailor training, socialization, and enrichment activities to meet your individual cat or dog’s needs. This information can help people understand their pets and maybe find less frustration in some of their behaviors. It can give us real insight into how their brains work and what types of activity and attention they require to meet the specific needs they were born with.
4. Connect With Your Pet’s Long-Lost Relatives
Many companies offering DNA testing include a feature matching your pet’s DNA with others in their database to help you discover your furry friend’s long-lost siblings and other relatives. This can be a fun and exciting way to connect with other pet paw-rents who have pets from the same lineage. You might even find your pup or kitty has a distant cousin living in Ireland – how lucky would that be???
Cons: Why You Might Skip DNA Testing for Your Pet
1. Accuracy May Vary
Although DNA tests have improved over the years, they are not always 100% accurate. Many of these tests compare your pet’s DNA with a company-specific database of the DNA of other breeds, identifying which breeds are the closest match. As the databases have continued to grow, testing has become more accurate. However, pet DNA testing remains an unregulated industry with many companies keeping their methodologies close to the vest for competitive reasons. Results from different companies may vary, making it difficult to determine which is most accurate. Issues with the reliability of pet owner sample-taking techniques or the possibility of other animals in the home contaminating a sample, further jeopardize the reliability of at-home, direct-to-consumer DNA testing for pets.
2. The Cost Factor
Pet DNA tests can range from $60- $200 or more, depending on the company and the depth of analysis (how detailed you want the report to be). If you are testing purely out of curiosity, you might decide that money is better spent on treating your pet to some yummy treats, fun toys, or even a comfy new bed. If your primary concern is your dog or cat’s health, discussing genetic risks with your vet may be a more practical approach.
3. Potential for Unnecessary Worry
Genetic testing can reveal possible health risks, but not all animals with a genetic indicator will develop those conditions. This can lead to unnecessary stress and worry for pet owners. Conversely, a test that comes back with no health concerns does not guarantee your pet won’t develop health problems later in life. Proper diet, exercise, and routine veterinary care remain the most important factors in keeping your dog or cat healthy.
4. DNA Doesn’t Define Your Dog or Cat
It doesn’t matter what the DNA says, your dog or cat is still the same lovable companion. Some owners worry that knowing their dog’s breed could lead to bias in how they are treated or seen by others. Breed-specific legislation and discrimination have only intensified this fear among many. For instance, if you thought your dog was a lab mix and the genetic testing comes back that they are primarily American Staffordshire Terrier (a member of the Pit Bull family) you may find yourself, as well as others, passing judgment about your dog regardless of their behavior or personality. In some areas finding out your beloved pet belongs on a listing your landlord or insurance company has of “dangerous dogs” can even impact rental options or insurance coverage. Some feel it is simply better to leave well enough alone.
If you are curious about your dog or cat’s breed mix, want to check for potential health risks, or possibly find some furry relatives, DNA tests can be a fun and informative tool. They can provide interesting insights into who our pets are and how to best meet their needs; but, if cost, accuracy, or unnecessary worry are concerns, skip the test. At the end of the day, what matters is the quality of life you provide for your pets – regular vet checkups, a balanced diet, exercise, and lots of loving care from you will always be more important than their ancestry. No matter where your four-legged family member’s ancestors came from, the most important part of your pet's life is the bond you share.
So, whether your dog (or cat) is part Irish or just a lucky charm in your life, remember they are 100% yours – and that’s what matters.
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