Genetic Testing for Heritable Disease in Pets

Genetic testing for heritable diseases in companion animals allows breeders and owners to make informed decisions that prevent transmitting suffering to future generations.

Key Facts

Over 200 heritable conditions in dogs have genetic tests available through companies like Embark and Wisdom Panel
Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and degenerative myelopathy are among the most common heritable conditions
DNA testing allows breeders to identify carriers and avoid pairings that produce affected offspring
Responsible breeders use genetic health testing to reduce heritable disease burden over generations
Mixed-breed dogs can also be tested to identify heritable conditions for management and monitoring purposes

Welfare Considerations

Heritable disease causes chronic suffering in thousands of companion animals annually. Conditions like progressive retinal atrophy cause blindness; degenerative myelopathy causes progressive paralysis; hip dysplasia causes chronic pain. Genetic testing allows informed breeding decisions that dramatically reduce the frequency of these conditions in future generations. For current pets, testing identifies conditions before symptoms appear, allowing proactive management that improves quality of life.

What You Can Do

Use genetic health testing when selecting a breeder or planning a breeding if you breed dogs
Ask breeders for genetic testing certificates for both parents before purchasing a puppy
Test your own pet to identify heritable conditions for proactive health management
Support breed clubs that require genetic health testing for registered breeding pairs
Donate to research developing new genetic tests for heritable conditions in companion animals