Episode Description
Pet health isn’t always an inside job—genetic makeup matters, but so do environmental factors like lifestyle and diet. In this episode of Barking Mad, we’re cracking the genetic code to explore how dogs’ DNA influences their heath—sometimes in unexpected ways. Join us as we discuss groundbreaking insights from veterinary experts and researchers who shed light on the genetic complexity of mixed-breed dogs and how genetic testing could revolutionize preventive pet care.
Helpful Links
BSM Partners’ Incidence paper: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/animal-science/articles/10.3389/fanim.2022.846227/full
Genetic testing for dogs can help identify diseases and enable preventive care (from the Waltham Pet Care Institute): https://www.waltham.com/news-events/human-animal-interaction/genetic-testing-for-dogs-can-help-identify-diseases-and-enable-preventive-care
Learn more about EpiPaws: https://epipaws.com/
Tune in to our Pawing Through the Research episode here: https://bsmpartners.net/the-pet-industry-podcast/pawing-through-the-research-uncovering-the-fatal-flaws-of-dcm
Watch the full NBC News report on Flint, Michigan, 10 years after the community’s lead poisoning crisis first began: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8LaMa7ZLIQ
Show Notes
00:00 – Inside the Episode
01:49 – How Genes Influence Health
05:27 – DNA, Diet, and DCM
07:20 – A One Health Approach
09:00 – Decoding DNA for Mixed Breeds
10:53 – The Vast Genetic Variance in the Canine Genome
12:15 – The Truth About Mixed Breeds’ Genes
15:40 – Genetic Testing: A Key Opportunity
17:19 – Genetics and Breeding Practices
20:09 – Understanding Epigenetics
20:47 – Where Do Our Genes Come From?
22:08 – What Other Factors Affect our Genes?
24:40 – Environmental Factors Impacting Gene Expression
28:38 – Using This Knowledge to Advance Pet Health
29:44 – Conclusion and Farewell