It may sound like hocus-pocus, but now pet owners can determine their dog’s age by analyzing their pet’s saliva.
Enter the fascinating world of Epigenetics, a relatively new branch of science that delves into the study of genes and their “genetic” expression. Genes, composed of segments of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), determine your dog’s eye color, size, and even the diseases to which he may be predisposed. In other words, genes are the factors responsible for heredity.
It is the biochemical markers located in the DNA that hold the key to age determination.Recently, researchers coined the term “Epigenetic Clocks.” A proper analysis of your canine’s saliva, backed by rigorous scientific research, can reveal your pooch’s age with considerable accuracy.
The test samples came within 1-2 days of the pet’s actual birthdate for most cases.
Elaine Ostrander is a geneticist who heads up the Dog Genome Project at the National Institutes of Health and published a study on DNA Dog Clocks. She warns that while there are a variety of consumer test kits on the market claiming to offer age data, choosing the right DNA test kit is key.
Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM
Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM, is a practicing integrative veterinarian and a nationally recognized leader, speaker, educator, and advocate in the field of functional medicine. She is the founder and director of the Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center and Pet Clinic and an Emmy-nominated television journalist. Her first two books, Naturally Healthy Dogs and Naturally Healthy Cats hit the international best-seller lists. She is a regular contributor to several television shows and networks including FOX & Friends, The Today Show, Discovery’s Animal Planet, and Good Day LA.Dr. Carol is board-certified in Anti-Aging Medicine and developed and patented PAAWS: Pet Anti-Aging Wellness System for dogs and cats. Today she has turned her passion for functional pet medicine, real food, nutrition, and wellness into activism. Dr. Osborne is leading a pet health revolution that challenges us to reimagine our pet’s biology and the process of aging to create and sustain your pet’s health for life. Learn more at http://www.chagrinfallspetclinic.com
