In a recent episode of All My Children Wear Fur Coats, Nora Guccione shed some light on the nuances of pet genetic testing and the benefits of testing your pet’s DNA.
Nora Guccione is the U.S. Customer Success Manager for Orivet, a pet genetic testing company that produces DNA tests for dogs and cats. Orivet offers multiple products for pet owners, veterinarians, and responsible breeders. At their lowest price point, GenoPet is an ancestry test that determines the genetic makeup of a dog. Orivet also offers full breed profile kits that screen a pet’s DNA for breed-specific diseases and traits. GenoPet+ includes both breed identification and disease screening. Both GenoPet and GenoPet+ kits include a LifePlan, a customized wellness plan based on your dog’s genetics.
Nora described the procedure in which samples are collected and processed for Orivet’s GenoPet DNA tests. First, the customer uses a bristle swab to collect cheek cells from the inside of their dog’s mouth. From these cells, Orivet extracts the full DNA profile of the animal and compares it against hundreds of breeds. Once testing is completed, results may be accessed online. A color-coded chart is used to display the exact percentage of each breed found within your dog’s DNA sample. All results are signed by Orivet’s CEO and geneticist.
Additionally, Nora provided some guidelines for ensuring the reliability of a pet’s DNA sample. She emphasized the importance of targeting your dog’s cheek, not their teeth or gums. She also noted that food or moisture can cause bacteria to form, thus degrading your sample. To minimize your chances of collecting an inconclusive sample, your swab must be fully dry before it is placed in your packet.
When asked about the difference between DNA testing for dogs and cats, Nora explained that cats don’t have the same breed lineage as dogs. Since their genetic differences are less pronounced, DNA testing for cats focuses on health traits rather than breed identification.
Nora illuminated the various applications for pet DNA tests. Some owners simply wish to satisfy their curiosity about their dog’s breed, while others use the tests as a preventative health screening to indicate potential susceptibilities. Nora expressed that genetic testing is particularly important for breeders, as an animal’s health should always be a breeder’s top priority.
If you would like to learn more about Orivet, visit Orviet.com or www.facebook.com/orivetgenetics
Please protect your pet with a Pet Trust! Visit ACT4Pets.org for more information.
