Mars Veterinary Wisdom Panel 3.0 Canine Test Swab-AThon Tour

This post is sponsored by Wisdom Panel. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Wisdom Panel Canine DNA Test Swab-a-thon Tour . I only share information I feel is relevant to my readers. Wisdom Panel is not responsible for the content of this article.

If you have followed me for any length of time you know about Max, our Jack Russell Terrier.

Gah!  That face gets me every time! 

Max came into our lives about 13 years ago when he was thought to be about 2 years old. He had been turned over to a shelter because his previous owner thought he was too aggressive.  We have never seen that side of him.  He has always been a fun, gentle little clown. He stole my heart the minute we met.

Oh he can be a handful at times but c'mon, he's a Jack Russell, we knew that when we decided to adopt him.  But once he winds down, he's a cuddling mess lol! 

Now I say he's a Jack Russell Terrier but because he came from a shelter I don't actually know if he is a purebred or a mix. And if he is a mix, what is he mixed with? Max can't tell me what his genetic makeup is but, his DNA can! With millions of mixed-breed dog owners in the U.S., having access to reliable breed ancestry information can be critical for the nutrition, training and overall healthcare of our four-legged family member. Understanding the breeds that make up your dog enables much more targeted care and in some cases provides lifesaving information.  Why is it important to understand the genetic makeup of your dog and what is the benefit to using Wisdom Panel 3.0?

1. Screening for the MDR1 genetic mutation.

“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.

2. To understand your dog’s natural behavior tendencies and help with training.

3. Provide your dog with tailored nutrition.

4. To determine what the size of your dog might be.

5. Provides you to be proactive dog owner about any health concerns or common issues associated with the breeds found in your dog.

The Wisdom Panel 3.0 is an at home kit that allows you to better understand your pet and its needs. Testing your dog with Wisdom Panel® 3.0 starts with “cheek swabs” to collect a DNA sample from inside your dog’s cheek. Then, you send the swabs into the laboratory. Once your sample is received, it is scanned into the Wisdom Panel database and assigned to a batch for testing. Reports take approximately 2-3 weeks from the time a sample is received for analysis to be completed. The Mars Veterinary Wisdom Panel® 3.0 Canine DNA Test Kit includes:

• Instructions
• 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.

Mars Veterinary Wisdom Panel will also be at the following events this year to share more information about Mars Veterinary Wisdom Panel® 3.0 and to educate on the benefits of Canine DNA testing:

June 4-7: GoPRO Mountain Games in Vail, CO – swabbing

August 1: Amazing Pet Expo in Austin, TX – swabbing

TBD October: Mars Pet Adoption Fair in Franklin, TN – swabbing

December 5: Amazing Pet Expo Holiday in Pomona, CA – swabbing

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).

You can follow along and get more information about Mars Veterinary Wisdom Panel at:

Facebook:  facebook.com/DoggieDNA 

Twitter:  @WisdomPanel

Instagram:  @WisdomPanel

Pinterest:  @WisdomPanel

I think all of this is pretty doggone cool, don't you?  Would you want to know your dogs DNA?