Doing a DNA test on your pet is an exciting step towards learning more about their health, breeds, and specific needs. However, we know that sometimes, theory is easier than practice. What happens when it's time to insert the swab and your pet turns into a professional escape artist?
This is a completely normal situation. Collecting a saliva sample can be uncomfortable for them if they aren't used to it. That's why we have prepared this practical guide with expert tricks to make collecting the sample a quick, stress-free, and 100% effective process.
Tricks for dogs: Salivation and desensitisation
Although dogs tend to be more cooperative, some are particularly sensitive to having their mouths handled. Here are the most effective techniques for getting a perfect sample:
- The "smell without a treat" trick (Saliva generator): For the DNA sample to be valid, the swab must be well-soaked in saliva, but your dog must not have eaten in the preceding hours to avoid contaminating the sample. The solution? Open a tin of their favourite wet food or a piece of sausage and leave it nearby so they can smell it, but without letting them eat it. This will instantly activate their salivary glands, allowing you to collect an abundant amount of saliva in just a few seconds.
- Prior desensitisation technique: If your dog is very fearful, don't get the kit out on the first day. For a couple of days beforehand, use a normal cotton bud (the ones you have at home) and bring it close to their muzzle whilst stroking them. Gently lift their lip and insert the cotton bud for a second. Immediately afterwards, give them a treat. This way, they will associate the swab with something positive.
- Gentle control position: Don't corner them from the front. Position yourself by their side, facing in the same direction as them, and put one arm around their chest whilst lifting their jowl (lip) from the side with your other hand.
The feline challenge: How to take a sample from cats
Cats are much more reluctant to have their mouths handled than dogs. Their instinct makes them protect their heads, and they don't usually tolerate their mouths being manipulated unless they are very relaxed. For felines, subtlety is key.
- Take advantage of moments of extreme calm: Unlike dogs, you shouldn't call your cat to do the test. Wait until they are deeply asleep or in a moment of maximum relaxation (for example, when they are kneading or purring after a nap in the sun). Approach slowly and rub the swab along the side gum gently and quickly.
- The liquid treat trick (Churu type): Liquid snacks in a tube are the weakness of almost any cat and your best ally for desensitisation.
- Days before the test: Put a little Churu on a household cotton bud and let them lick and bite it. They will get used to the texture of the stick in their mouth.
- The day of the test: Remember that they shouldn't ingest anything before the sample is taken. Show them the closed Churu tube so they know it's there, take the sample quickly and, as an immediate reward after taking the swab out, offer them their liquid treat.
- The "burrito" technique (only in extreme cases): If your cat is particularly wriggly, you can gently wrap them in a towel, leaving only their little head out. This prevents them from using their front paws to push your hand away and provides them with a feeling of containment and security.
Final tips
- Your energy is contagious: If you approach with fear or tension, your pet will notice and become defensive. Take a deep breath, speak to them in a soft tone, and act naturally.
- Don't aim for the throat: You don't need to push the swab all the way to the back. DNA samples are collected by rubbing the inside of the cheek and the gums, never the throat.
- Ensure it dries: Once the sample is collected, follow the instructions in the kit. This prevents the proliferation of bacteria that could damage the DNA.
With a little patience, empathy, and these tricks up your sleeve, collecting your companion's DNA sample will be a breeze. You are just one step away from discovering the secrets hidden in their genetics!
