Why should you do a genetic test on your dog?

Genetic tests in humans are already a common reality to find out about preventable genetic diseases or even to find out the ethnic origin of our ancestors. For example, it is already common to analyze the presence of certain mutations in genes to understand the probability of a person to suffer from certain types of cancer. How could it be otherwise, these types of tests are beginning to be available for our fellow dogs and thus be able to give them better health.

Since the DNA of a dog was sequenced in 2005, veterinary research has advanced rapidly and we can increasingly learn more about the health of our pets by analyzing their genetics. This is especially relevant in dogs because it is estimated that 30% of dogs are at risk of carrying or suffering from at least 1 hereditary disease . This percentage is increasing as more genetic diseases are discovered in dogs.

In Europe, one of the pioneering companies in genetic tests for dogs is Pendel . A Spanish startup, founded by 3 pet-loving partners whose mission is to facilitate access to quality genetic tests for any dog owner . To do this, it works with one of the main European animal genetics laboratories and offers a simple kit so that the client can take the sample from home, without the need for a veterinarian.

Identify and prevent genetic diseases of your dog

If you have a Border Collie, you have surely heard of the MDR1 mutation: a genetic disease that causes your dog to have allergic reactions (often severe) to certain medications and dewormers. What you may not know is that, like MDR1, your Border Collie may be at risk for degenerative myelopathy, poor absorption of vitamin B12, and many other known hereditary diseases.

Knowing this information is relevant because many of these diseases are largely preventable with proper preventive treatment. For example, if you have a Labrador Retreiver, your dog may be at risk for cystinuria, a kidney disease that causes kidney stones. With a genetic test we can detect if the dog is more likely to suffer from this disease, and if so, with changes in diet and increasing water consumption, it is possible to avoid the appearance of these painful stones (and which can end up in surgery!).

If you want prevention rather than cure, Pendel offers one of the most advanced genetic tests on the market: with a single saliva sample, they are capable of identifying up to 156 hereditary diseases. In case of identifying any disease, they provide you with detailed information about it so that you can define the best treatment with your veterinarian.

Know your dog's ancestors

As if that were not enough to be able to anticipate diseases that your dog will suffer, genetics also allows us to know the breeds of our dog's ancestors. If you have an adopted dog: have you ever been curious to know what mixed breed your dog is?

Thanks to the breed mix tests that Pendel offers , we can know with a high degree of precision the mix of breeds that make your dog unique. Pendel's product is capable of detecting up to 8 different breeds present in your dog's DNA and giving you a family tree of the breeds of his ancestors (even great-grandparents!).

We are going to love our dog regardless of its breed, but many people use this test to get to know their pet and its history a little better. This is the case of María, a Pendel client who, thanks to the breed mix test, discovered that her dog, Luny, was not a pure breed of Jack Russell terrier if she did not mix with Maltese and 2 other breeds.

In short, it can be a very original gift to give to your “pet-lover” relative/friend at the next holidays!

Are you interested in a genetic test? Gudog gives you an exclusive discount

Thanks to a collaboration agreement between Pendel and Gudog, Gudog customers can access an exclusive €10 discount on any Pendel test by entering the following code in the purchase process: GUDOG10.

Additionally, if you still do not have health insurance for your dog, by buying any of their tests, Pendel offers you a €25 discount on your Barkibu health insurance : the best health insurance in Spain.