Know Your Dog with Wisdom Panel 3.0

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Mars Veterinary Wisdom Panel 3.0

One of the most frustrating things about adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue is the inability to give the adoptee a straight answer on exactly what their new bundle of joy is mixed with. Not only for nutritional reasons, training, and overall health, but even for other important reasons, like homeowners insurance. Knowing and understanding the breeds that make up your new best friend, makes it easier to pinpoint care needed, and financial responsibility.

Working in the insurance industry I have had more than my share of calls from clients asking if their dogs were covered for an liability issues – it seems that some cities make their rounds to record, and register any dogs deemed dangerous. In the Southern part of Ohio, dogs such as pitbulls, and rottweilers are not allowed to be owned in city lines. So any type of dog that has a resemblance to these dogs are singled out, and the owners are forced to carry liability insurance on them. Certain insurance providers, mine included, will not insure these types of dogs, and will cancel your policy unless you  can provide  proof that your pet is less than a certain percentage of this ‘dangerous’ animal. 

In my experience getting one of these letters from a licensed vet is  nearly impossible; since they can only give visual identification and it’s only accurate about 25% of the time, most vets do not want to risk confirming  or denying the dogs DNA.  Leaving the owner scrambling for coverage, and sometimes causing a financial burden.

That is why I am so excited about Mars Veterinary launching their revolutionary product for canine DNA testing the Wisdom Panel® 3.0. Accuracy of the test is nearly 90%, and only takes a few weeks to get the test results back.

The kit includes:

• DNA cheek swabs – all for use on one dog
• Drying insert for swabs
• Pre-paid return shipping box

Visit www.WisdomPanel.com for more information and to purchase a kit.

• December 5: Holiday Pet Festival in Scottsdale, AZ – swabbing http://holidaypetfestival.com/
  • For all events that allow dogs, consumers can swab onsite at event for a discounted price of $39.99. For those wanting to take home a kit, they can be purchased for the discounted price of $49.99 (MSRP $84.99).

Our rescue pet, Buddy, is one of the examples of what we believe to be mistaken identity to some. When we adopted Buddy we were told he was a boxer/shepherd mix. After research, and a lot of opinions, it has came to our attention that our Buddy may very well be more pit than boxer. I  cannot WAIT to get the DNA test kit back to see what he is! This will  make such a difference when it comes back, when it come to nutrition, behavioral issues, and more!

The Wisdom Panel® 3.0 is not only breed screening, but medical applications as well with the new MDR1 Genetic Mutation screening. MDR1 (Multi-drug resistance) is a genetic mutation found in some herding and sighthound breeds, as well as many mixed-breed dogs. The MDR1 gene is what is responsible for the production of P-glycoprotein which is a drug transport pump that has an important role in limiting drug absorption and distribution (especially in the brain) and enhances the excretion/elimination of many drugs used in dogs.

Dogs with the MDR1-mutation may have severe adverse reactions to some common drugs, so it is important to test mixed-breed (and purebreds with the high-propensity breeds) dogs and for owners to share results with their veterinarian so they can provide the dog with for the best possible care. For more information on breeds and drugs affected by the MDR1 mutation, visit www.wisdompanel.com/MDR1_Disease_Screening.

Be sure to follow Wisdom Panel on social media for more updates on events and product discounts: Facebook: facebook.com/DoggieDNA , Twitter: @WisdomPanel, Instagram: @WisdomPanel Pinterest: @WisdomPanel