Do pet DNA exams really work? One reporter’s quest for the reality has put one pet DNA testing firm within the doghouse.
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To examine the accuracy of pet DNA exams, the reporter, Christina Hager, despatched samples of her DNA to pet genetic testing corporations. While most corporations despatched again an inconclusive outcome, one firm alerted Hager to stunning information — that she was, by some means, a canine!
Keep studying for every thing you need to learn about this analysis experiment.
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Pet testing firm DNA My Dog recognized human cheek swap DNA as Malamute, Shar-pei, and Labrador.
In 2024, reporter Christina Hager of the WBZ News investigative workforce (“I-Team”) swabbed her cheek and despatched her DNA to 3 pet genetic testing corporations to check their accuracyper CBS News. This marked the second time the I-Team carried out this experiment.
While the primary two corporations, Orivet and Wisdom Panel, said she did not present sufficient DNA for a correct pattern, the third firm, DNA My Dog, steered that Hager was “40% Alaskan Malamute, 35% Shar-Pei, and 25% Labrador.”
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In 2023, the I-Team determined to determine the accuracy of pet DNA tests after New Hampshire resident Michelle Leininger adopted a brand new canine.
Leininger first despatched a pattern from her canine Jasmine to 3 corporations, which confirmed not solely that Jasmine was a German Shepherd but additionally fourteen different breeds, together with Chihuahua.
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Then, Leininger and the I-Team despatched a pattern of Leininger’s DNA to the identical three corporations, together with DNA My Dog. The firm advised Leininger that she was 40 % Border Collie. “Some individuals would possibly agree,” she stated. Leininger famous this is able to be the final time she spent money on pet genetic testing. “I would not waste the money.”
DNA My Dog Service Director Jessica Barnett responded on the time, “The second pattern did the truth is yield canine DNA…The outcomes supplied wouldn’t be potential on a human pattern.”
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The present prime manufacturers of pet genetic testing embrace DNA My Dog, Orivet, Wisdom Panel, and Basepaws. According to Lemonade Insurance, most genetic testing corporations for pets claim 90 percent accuracyhowever many components can affect your furry buddy’s outcomes, together with the methodologies used and the complexity of the breed.
Pet genetic testing will also be costly, with exams ranging from $70 to $200in keeping with Embrace Pet Insurance. If you are involved a few potential well being situation which will have an effect on the one you love canine or feline, contact your veterinarian to see if genetic testing is the simplest approach to determine these points.