Monday, July 27, 2015

Facts You Should Know About Canine DNA Testing for Your Mixed Breed Dog

This post is sponsored by Mars Veterinary Wisdom Panel 3.0. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Wisdom Panel 3.0, but Pawsitively Pets only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Mars Veterinary Wisdom Panel 3.0 is not responsible for the content of this article.

If you have a mixed breed dog in your family, you may have heard of canine DNA testing before. The tests are designed to tell you which purebred types of dogs are relatives of your mixed breed dog. For dog parents, this may sound like an interesting way to discover more about your dog's history. After all, many mixed breed dogs come from rescues or shelters and little may be known about their past.

depositphotos/adogslifephoto

But other than having a little fun and knowing who your dog's parents and grandparents were, what is the point of having canine DNA testing for your mixed breed dog? Turns out, there are actually several benefits to having the test done. Understanding the breeds that make up your dog enable much more targeted care and in some cases provides lifesaving information. 

Mars Veterinary, the industry leader in canine genetic testing, is launching their next evolution of the canine DNA test - Wisdom Panel 3.0. They are not only expanding the breed screening coverage, but the medical applications as well with the new MDR1 Genetic Mutation screening.


What is Multi-Drug Resistance 1 (MDR1)? 

Multi-Drug Resistance 1 or MDR1 found in some herding and sighthound breeds. It's also found in many mixed breed dogs. The MDR1 gene makes a protein called P-glycoprotein. This molecule plays an important role in limiting drug absorption and distribution, particularly to the brain. P-glycoprotein also enhances the excretion and elimination of many drugs that are used in dogs. 

What does this mean for dogs who have MDR1 mutation? Dogs with this gene mutation may have severe adverse reactions to some common drugs. This is that lifesaving information that was mentioned above. 

For more information about which breeds and drugs are affected by MDR1 mutation, visit Wisdom Panel's information page on MDR1 Disease Screening

Benefits of Canine DNA Testing

In addition to knowing if your dog has MDR1 mutation, there are a number of other benefits to having a canine DNA test for your mixed breed dog. Here are the benefits of the Wisdom Panel 3.0:
  • MDR1 mutation testing for drug sensitivity.
  • The ability to develop a training program that works with their breed's natural instincts and a better understanding of their behavior characteristics. 
  • Developing a nutrition plan for breed-specific needs. 
  • Helps in determining what the adult size of your dog might be. 
  • Understanding breed-specific health concerns to be on watch for. 
While knowing which breeds of dog make up your mixed breed dog will not make you love them any more or less, it's more than just a fun test to learn about your dog's ancestors. Canine DNA testing can help you understand your dog's needs more than you might think. 

About Wisdom Panel 3.0 Canine DNA Testing



The Wisdom Panel 3.0 is easy and can be done at home. All you need to do is rub a swab between your dog's gum and cheek to collect some skin cells. It takes about 2-3 weeks from the time the samples reach the lab for results to come back.

The new Wisdom Panel 3.0 now covers more than 250 breeds, types and varieties of dogs including all those recognized by the American Kennel Club. You can run a Wisdom Panel 3.0 test on mixed breed, purebred, or designer dogs. 

You can visit www.WisdomPanel.com for more information and to purchase a Wisdom Panel 3.0 Kit. 


Interested in having your dog tested with the Wisdom Panel 3.0? Wisdom Panel will be at several upcoming events to test dogs on site and provide information about their canine DNA test. They will be swabbing dogs on site at these events at discounted prices:
  • August 1-2: Amazing Pet Expo in Austin, TX 
  • TBD October: Mars Pet Adoption Fair in Franklin, TN
  • TBD December: Amazing Pet Expo Holiday in Los Angeles, CA
For all events that allow dogs, you can swab on site at the discounted price of $39.99. If you prefer taking your kit home, the kit will cost $49.99. (MSRP $84.99)

Mark your calendars! This is a great time to have canine DNA testing performed on your dog.


You can stay up to date with Mars Veterinary Wisdom Panel for more updates on events and product discounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Has your dog ever had a Canine DNA Test before? Share with us in the comments!

18 comments:

  1. that's interesting and I bet a lot of dog-parents are surprised when they see the results :o) If I had a mixed doggie I would like to know it :o) btw: do you think people would treat their dog different after they know there is Beagle, Poodle, Doberman etc. inside?
    easy rider

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    1. I don't think people would treat them much differently. Perhaps with the diet, training, and medical aspects of their life but the love they give surely would not change! :)

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  2. I bet many people with a mixed breed dog would love this test. More importantly, the expansion to find certain genetic disorders is great! What a way to help keep pets healthier.
    Oz

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  3. I don't regret anything about getting Laika tested through them. Now if the results had been anything other than majority Shepherd I might disagree, but I think they were spot on. Before her test I assumed she was a GSD/Lab mix, but it was cool to know instead of Lab she's got Pit, Rottweiler, & Bernese Mountain Dog genes. It was really cool to do, and it's really great that they included the mdr1 gene.

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    1. Oh that's cool! She definitely has that Shepherd look about her. Interesting to know that she's not lab, but a few other dogs.

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  4. I have heard of wisdom panel, and actually I direct people towards that site all the time because I have heard so much about them. I would love to try it out on my one husky!
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

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    1. Oh - which husky is that? Do you think one of them is a mix? If so, it would be interesting to find out for sure!

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  5. That was so interesting and I wonder what my DNA would say!

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    1. I wonder if there is a DNA test for cats... that is something I might try!

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  6. The cost is getting surprisingly low! They keep making it more and more tempting to find out where Toby got that curly tail...

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    1. Oh does he have a curly tail? If I had to guess, I might say Basenji. But who knows? The prices are great, especially at the expos and adoption events. Maybe they'll visit one near you soon.

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  7. I've been wanting to do Titan's for some time now and now that Zue is in the picture, I think it will push me to do so. What a great price!

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    1. The price is nice! I know you are up North, but perhaps they'll add other upcoming events to your area sometime. Would be great to be able to get that discount.

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  8. You might remember we had Luke's DNA tested, just for fun. I wish they'd had the medical screening part back then too.

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    1. I do remember that! It's unfortunate that you missed out on the MDR1 screening. Tests are always evolving and improving.

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  9. Great information here. Now I can answer questions at work about these test with more confidence. I really like the fact that they now over MDR1 Screening as well. It is through Washington State Univ which is the go to lab for this test, awesome!

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  10. Sounds fascinating - especially for pet parents who struggle with dietary mysteries and not knowing the best approach to training. Very interesting - good job Ann.

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