What age can you DNA test a puppy? A Comprehensive Guide

Dog DNA Testing: When and How Can I Test Newborn Puppies?

Dog DNA testing is an invaluable tool for responsible dog breeders who want to ensure healthy litters with ideal traits and for many other reasons too:

  • You think you might keep a puppy for your breeding program, but need to know they are clear of disease before making that decision
  • Savvy buyers also want proof of health testing before they choose a puppy
  • As a dog breeder, would you like a tip to make pet DNA testing your newborn puppies easier? You may think you have to wait until puppies are weaned before obtaining cheek-swab samples, but I have good news for you! You can test litters at any age. No need to wait until right before they go home with their new families.

    Concern: Many people worry about cross-contamination from the dam’s milk, or skin cells from her teats.

    Solution: Separate dam from the puppies for 30-45 minutes, then check their mouths for milk. If they are milk-free, it’s OK to swab them.

    What is a Canine Genetic Age Test?

    A canine dog DNA and age test is a non-invasive DNA test that uses your pet’s DNA to determine their “genetic age.” The dog DNA and age test analyzes hundreds of markers in your pet’s genome and compares them to thousands of other dogs of the same breed.

    A dog DNA and age test shows how old your dog is on a biological level. A blood sample can tell you if your dog is aging faster or slower than expected for their breed and size. This information can influence decisions about their diet, exercise regimen, and health care needs.

    What is the Best Dog DNA and Age Test?

    Best Canine Genetic Age Test: Embark Dog DNA Test Kit

    Summary: The Embark Dog DNA Age Test Kit is the best dog DNA test on the market today. It is a simple, non-invasive way to measure your dog’s age in human years. This test kit uses cheek swabs and saliva samples to determine your dog’s genetic age and health condition. It was developed by the company that created the popular Embark Dog DNA Tests in partnership with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

    The test works by analyzing genetic markers within a dog’s DNA. The DNA sample results are compared against a database of other over 100,000 dogs in their database. The database includes purebred and mixed breeds and dogs from around the world. This allows Embark to identify which markers are associated with aging and mutations that may affect your dog’s health as they get older.

    Pros

  • It’s easy to use (just swab the inside of your dog’s mouth)
  • Results are available in about two weeks
  • It’s very accurate, with an error rate of less than 1%
  • The test can tell you if your dog is at risk for certain diseases
  • The instructions are easy to follow
  • Cons

  • To test more than one dog, you must order additional kits
  • Review: With over 10000 reviews on Amazon, this dog DNA and age test kit has an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5. Reviewers say their dogs enjoyed the experience and didn’t mind getting their cheeks swabbed. Pet owners love this test because it’s easy to use, provides a lot of information, and is affordable!

    Best Value Canine Genetic Age Test: Wisdom Panel Premium Dog DNA Test

    Summary: Wisdom Panel tests your dog’s DNA to determine its age, breed, and family tree. The Wisdom Panel test uses a dog’s cheek swab to collect samples that Wisdom Panel’s scientists then analyze. The results are sent back in a few days.

    Wisdom Panel tests for over 350 different genetic markers inherited from both parents. Veterinarians use these markers to determine the dog’s breed and the probability of it being purebred or mutt. Other markers are used to estimate the dog’s age, sex, and health concerns.

    The Wisdom Panel DNA age test can also be used with other DNA health tests (such as those for disease predisposition) for more detailed information about your pet’s health.

    Pros

  • Health screening results are accurate and reliable
  • Easy to use
  • Results are available in one to two weeks
  • Non-invasive test
  • Gives the dog’s chronological age in human years
  • Cons

  • It can’t be used on multiple dogs at once
  • Review: With a global rating of 4.7 stars on Amazon, pet parents have tried and tested this dog DNA and age test. The Wisdom Panel Premium Dog DNA Age Test is one of the most popular options available today. It’s also one of the most affordable breed identification tests to determine your dog’s breed composition.

    Most Affordable Canine Genetic Age Test: ORIVET Dog DNA Test

    Summary: ORIVET Dog DNA Age Test is an easy-to-use test that can help you learn more about your dog’s age, parentage, breed, and health. The test uses a cheek swab to collect DNA from inside the mouth. It requires no blood draw or pain for the animal, making it an ideal option for owners looking to learn more about the genetic makeup of their four-legged friend.

    The test results provide information on your dog’s breed mix, personality traits, breed identification, ancestry, and genetic health risks. In addition to knowing whether your pet is predisposed to certain genetic diseases like degenerative myelopathy. Breeders can also find out if he has relatives with similar characteristics or personalities.

    Pros

  • Results are easy to understand
  • It can be used on any dog breed
  • Gives the biological age of your dog
  • Simple to use
  • The test is non-invasive
  • Results might take too long to return
  • Review: Dog owners love this dog DNA and age test. They say it’s the best way to learn how old their dog is and their health issues; they’re right! The Orisvet DNA Age Test is a simple cheek swab test that accurately estimates your dog’s age. You simply collect saliva inside your dog’s mouth with a Q-tip or cotton ball, then send the sample back to Orisvet for analysis. It’s not just about knowing your dog’s age — it is also a health kit that can help you detect disease risks.

    How to test for puppy dna color