Category: Pet Health & Wellness

Long gone are the days when you had to wonder what breeds made up your rescue pup. With dozens of breed DNA test options available, it is easier than ever to know your dog. And now, with advancements in DNA research, you can even learn about the genes that affect your dog’s health and appearance.

One of the most popular DNA test options for getting to know your dog on this deeper level is Ancestry’s Know Your Pet DNA. This easy-to-use option provides insights into your dog’s breed, health traits, physical characteristics, behavioral tendencies, and doggy relatives.

I had a chance to test this DNA kit on my rescue Chihuahua, who was picked up as a stray when he was a year old. Find out what mysteries were unlocked about my dog and if this DNA test kit is a good option for your furry friend in my full Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry review.

Overview

Our Experience

I had the opportunity to review Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry last year when I used their Health kit on my mixed-breed rescue dog, Ragz. It was a lot of fun to finally find out what breeds she was. But the experience did leave me wondering if this test would be as useful on a purebred dog (or supposedly purebred dog).

Recently, I had the opportunity to find out when I ordered another test for my Chihuahua, Papyrus.

Papyrus is also a rescue. He came to me via a last-chance rescue after being picked up by animal control as an intact, one-year-old stray.

He certainly looks like a Chihuahua, though his tan and brindle coat is very unique, so I always thought there was a chance a couple of other small breeds could be mixed in. I was also very interested in finding out more about his behavior traits. He is an anxious dog—even more so than most Chihuahuas—and I’ve always wondered if this was because of his experiences early in life or just the genetic card he was dealt.

With these questions in mind, I registered Papyrus’ test, swabbed his cheek, and sent his DNA off for testing.

It took about four days for the lab to receive my kit, and another 17 days before I received the results.

The breed results were a little surprising—turns out this little guy is 100% Chihuahua! But far more interesting to me were the behavior trait results. Papyrus is genetically predisposed to basically every anxious, fearful, and aggressive tendency that can be mapped through DNA.

He rated high for fear of grooming, vets, and loud noises. He also snaps easily, doesn’t share, reacts aggressively to strangers, and is prone to separation anxiety and social anxiety.

Now, genes aren’t the only thing that determines behavior, as Ancestry is quick to point out. But in Papyrus’ case, almost all of these were accurate.

At 16 years old, this information doesn’t do much for us other than maybe vindicate Papyrus for a lot of his difficult behavior—he really can’t help it! But I can see how understanding a dog’s behavioral tendencies could be incredibly valuable for new puppy owners. Had Papyrus’ original owners known how prone he was to being fearful and anxious, they could have taken steps to help him relate more positively to his environment.

The other thing I found really valuable about the test was the health marker feature. Papyrus has three recessive genes for eye-related disorders that lead to blindness. While none of these diseases have been studied in Chihuahuas, knowing he has these issues does shed some light on why his vision has been going downhill so quickly these last few months.

In general, I found this test to be super easy to use (if you can cheek-swab an anxious, snappy Chihuahua, you can cheek-swab any dog!). I also found the results to be fairly intuitive to read and I am a fan of the Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry dashboard.

Overall, I would recommend this test to purebred and mixed dog owners alike. Not only can it confirm your dog’s lineage, but it has the potential to shed some much-needed light on your dog’s behavioral tendencies and potential future health issues.

Pros & Cons

Key Features

Easy to Use

The Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry test is easy to use and can be completed at home in just a few minutes.

First, be sure to use the card included in your kit to register it. The account you create during this step is where your results will be once the lab has processed the DNA.

To get the DNA, you’ll need to swab the inside of your dog’s cheek for about 30 seconds. After you finish, you’ll store the swab in a tube with preservative liquid so the DNA makes it intact to the lab.

This swab is brilliantly designed with the swab sticking out of the tube with the liquid. So, after you’re done swabbing, all you need to do is flip the swab around and screw it into the tube.

From there, you’ll stick the tube in the included ziplock baggy and then put that into the prepaid shipping box. Seal the box, put it into the nearest USPS dropbox, and wait.

My kit was received by the lab about four days after I put it in the mail. About five days later, I received an email informing me that the scientists had started processing the sample. From there, it took another twelve days before I received results.

Determines Breed and Relatives

Most dog DNA tests will help you determine your dog’s breed, and Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry is no exception. They use reference DNA from over 400 dog breeds, including wolf, coyote, and village dogs, to find out exactly what went into making your dog.

Each breed identified in your dog’s DNA is broken down into a percentage so you can see which ones are more dominant in their genes.

In addition to testing for breeds, Ancestry also reports DNA matches for your dog in the same way their human DNA kits help people find relatives. Your dog’s dashboard will show other dogs who have taken the test and happen to share DNA with yours. The amount of DNA shared is reported as well as the breed of that dog and, if the owner uploaded it, a picture of them.

Interestingly, the Papyrus’ closest matches in terms of DNA percentage are two Patagonian Sheepdog/Pitbull mixes. I don’t know how this works, but it is very interesting! All the other dogs currently listed in his matches are Chihuahuas.

The database of DNA matches is always being updated. So, as new dogs test, your dog will find new relatives.

Identifies Health, Behavior, and Physical Markers

In addition to breed markers, Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry also looks at trait markers.

Their standard test includes physical and behavioral traits, while their more expensive test also includes health markers.

Physical trait markers can tell you more about the genes that make your dog look how they look. For adult dogs, this can be an interesting exercise, but one that isn’t likely to have many surprises. For example, Papyrus’ genes say that he likely has a tan coat, erect ears, and short fur, but none of the trait markers explain his brindle coat.

While adult dogs already show all the physical traits they are likely to express, puppies are much more apt to surprise. Physical trait testing can help you predict what your dog will look like once they shed their puppy fur and grow into their adult body.

Much like physical traits, behavioral traits can help you understand how your dog might act so you can prepare and train accordingly. Most of these traits present on a sliding scale. For example, your dog’s genes can help determine whether your dog will be laid back, terrified, or somewhere in between when in social situations.

Lastly, the health aspect of the test analyzes 201 markers for known health issues. Any markers found will be reported as “notable” or “increased risk.”

Notable markers typically mean your dog only carries one copy of the gene and may not express the condition, but their offspring may inherit the issue. Increased risk markers usually mean your dog has two copies of the gene or that the disease only requires one copy to present signs.

Knowing your dog’s predisposition to different diseases or their potential to pass diseases on is incredibly valuable. By discussing these results with your vet, you may be able to apply preventative measures to help protect your dog or intervene earlier to help them lead a happier, healthier life.

About Ancestry

Is Ancestry a Good Value?

Both of Ancestry’s pet DNA kit offerings are priced about on par with competitors. But what you get with this company that you don’t get with other options is the DNA match feature which allows you to find your dog’s relatives. Ancestry also has one of the better dashboards available, making it a great value in an increasingly competitive market.

How We Tested

I tested this product by using it the same way any customer would.

Upon receiving the kit, I followed the directions to register it and administer the cheek swab. I then mailed it back to the company and tracked how long it took to hit each milestone and receive my final results.

I also spent significant time exploring the results dashboard, all the features, and the associated articles to gauge useability, clarity of results, and how intuitive the interface is.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long until I receive my results?

According to the website, it can take between two and eight weeks to get your results. The first time I used this test, it took about 13 days from when I mailed it to receive my results. This time it took 21 days.

Can I test my puppy?

Yes, you can use this test on dogs of all ages. Currently, the test is only available for canines.

Will my results be updated over time?

Yes, Ancestry is constantly updating their reference databases, which means your results may shift slightly over time. Additionally, the DNA matches are frequently updated as more dogs take the test.

What happens if I get a failed result?

Failed results (when the DNA was not able to be tested) usually occur due to not enough DNA on the swab or a quality control issue, according to the Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry website. If this happens, you will receive a free kit to retest with.

Conclusion

If you’re interested in getting to know your dog better, Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry can help.

This DNA test compares your dog’s genes with over 400 breeds, looks at over 200 health markers, and identifies dozens of physical and behavioral traits to help you understand your pup from the inside out. Best of all, it is easy to use, a great value, and produces results relatively quickly.

The post Ancestry Know Your Pet DNA Review 2025: Get to Know Your Dog Better than Ever appeared first on PangoVet.

We brush our teeth daily because dental care is essential, so why shouldn’t our dogs and cats? There is a false assumption that animals don’t need their teeth brushed because they aren’t humans – but our puppies and kittens are just as susceptible to gingivitis, plaque, tartar, bad breath, and other mouth-related problems as we are! Daily brushing keeps them out of frequent veterinary dentist visits. Unlike us, however, our pets tend to be less than cooperative when using a toothbrush.

The solution? Pure And Natural Pet Dental Finger Wipes! These teeth-cleaning wet cloths slip right onto your finger so you can run them along your dog’s mouth without having to fight with brushes and paste. A much less traumatizing way to keep your pet’s mouth fresh – assuming they work. I was able to test out whether or not dental wipes are the solution we have all been looking for!

Overview

Our Experience

My dog Lorelei has okay teeth for her age (9 years old), but they’re not the absolute best – I can still find buildup on them. The problem is that my dog in particular hates chews, bones, and all of the things that would naturally assist in cleaning her teeth, so we have to resort to the manual method pretty much exclusively. This was done with a doggy toothbrush and toothpaste, which has become our absolute least favorite part of the day. Admittedly, many days I have no energy for the fight. When dental wipes crossed my radar, I was very eager to try them, hoping that the evening war would stop and we could toss the toothbrush into the bin.

The Pure And Natural Pet Dental Finger Wipes came in the mail quickly, in a neatly designed jar. Using the product is quite self-explanatory: unscrew the lid, put a wipe on a finger (or two, they are big enough for two fingers), and into the dog’s mouth it goes.

Because Lorelei is small and has a more petite mouth (and subsequently, little teeth), I put the wipe on one finger, folded it over, and pinched it with my second finger to keep it from sliding off. My dog was initially hesitant as she was used to the toothbrush battle of each night, but when she realized that this was a soft wipe (similar to her doggy wipes we already use on the face) she relaxed immediately. I was able to put my finger in her mouth and do little circular motions around each tooth, taking extra care on her canines that tended to have the most build-up. She even let me run the wipe on her gums with no protest!

My only complaint is that the wipes are only one size – meant to fit in all dog and cat mouths. Because of this, it is a bit large for my small dog’s mouth, and it takes a bit of extra maneuvering to get it in correctly. This is not a huge deal; we have quickly adapted, but it may be a thought for the company in the future!

I’m not sure that she liked the taste of the wipes, but she certainly didn’t seem to dislike it. We used the wipes every night during this testing period, and continue to do so to this day.

I also want to note that my dog’s veterinarian highly recommended these dental wipes over toothbrushes and toothpaste for a few reasons:

Pros & Cons

Key Features

Ingredients

What makes Pure And Natural Pet stand out amongst the other dental wipe variants are the ingredients, which are all USDA Certified Organic. The wipes are free of chemicals, dyes, artificial flavors, and Xylitol (which is very toxic to dogs and cats).

The Pure And Natural Pet Dental Finger Wipes are made up of the following:

As you can see, each ingredient in the list assists in fighting the accumulation of plaque and tartar, which leads to inflammation and gingivitis. These ingredients are also completely safe for use on your pet. That being said, reviewing the ingredients with your veterinarian is a good idea to ensure your pet is not allergic to any of these compounds.

How To Use

Using these wipes is much simpler than using a toothbrush and toothpaste – everything needed is already formulated into the moist wipe.

Just take a wipe out of the box, slip one or two fingers into the wipe opening, and slip the wipe into your dog or cat’s mouth. You use your fingers to gently guide the wipe around each tooth, rubbing in a circular motion as needed to remove any residue on the tooth. At the end, I also do a little gentle glide on the gums.

I find it helpful to use one hand to pull my dog’s lip up as I do this so I can better see whether or not I got onto each tooth, and this also lowers the risk of my accidentally pinching my dog’s lip.

Expected Results

The Pure And Natural Pet Dental Finger Wipes are meant to be used daily, and results show best when used consistently. I began seeing results after the first week, but I saw the best results after four weeks of use.

These wipes will not remove heavy tartar build-up or tooth discoloration; only a dental procedure at the vet will achieve this, but they will remove softer plaque before it can harden into tartar, and keep the gums healthy and moist.

Your pet’s teeth and gums should appear cleaner and healthier, and their breath will hopefully improve as well. For best results, though, these wipes would be used to prevent tartar formation before it happens, either on younger dogs or following a professional cleaning at the vet.

Remember that our pets are all individuals, and the results will vary. Efficacy is based on many factors, such as routine use, your pet’s diet, overall health, underlying conditions, etc. As always, communicating with your vet is essential to ensure all is well in the mouth department.

About Pure And Natural Pet

Are the Pure And Natural Pet Dental Finger Wipes a Good Value?

Each container of 50 wipes is priced at $12.99, which makes each wipe approximately $0.26! $0.26 per day to keep your pet’s mouth healthy? That’s an absolute no-brainer. Competitor wipes cost roughly the same amount, but Pure And Natural Pet ensures that their ingredients are organic, safe, and effective. So I would argue that the value is even higher because of this fact.

How We Tested

Testing was simple – every evening after my dog had her last meal, we would step into my bathroom, and I’d use the dental wipes over her teeth. She resisted a bit at first, but quickly got used to it and didn’t mind the sensation very much. I was mindful of whether or not there was improvement on the existing plaque she had in her mouth due to her age and susceptibility in her breed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should I use these wipes?

Once a day is highly recommended, although two to three times a week is fine too. Daily use leads to much faster results.

Are there any side effects?

Unless your pet is allergic or has a medical condition that makes them sensitive to any of the ingredients, there are no reported side effects to using these dental wipes.

What’s the best way to teach my pet to accept the dental wipes?

As a general rule of thumb for dogs and cats, getting them used to interaction with their mouth is vital for overall health.

For dogs, gently lift their lips and touch their teeth with your fingers before using the wipe, offering positive reinforcement and rewards for letting you do so. Once the wipe is introduced, do just one tooth at a time and offer a lot of praise! Increase the duration when your pet becomes more comfortable. This was a quick two-day endeavor for me, but it can be different for every dog.

Cats are a bit more finicky and sensitive than dogs tend to be, so the process may be a bit more involved. Let your cat investigate and sniff the wipe, showing that this object is completely non-threatening. Gently touch their teeth with your fingers and offer praise; some cats are treat-motivated, so use that to your advantage. Start by wiping one tooth, and keep the wiping sessions short but consistent. You will gradually increase in time until you can get all of the teeth in one session.

Conclusion

I used to try to force my dog into accepting a toothbrush with toothpaste in her mouth, and it was always a struggle neither of us looked forward to, which is a situation I’m sure many pet owners can relate to. Dental wipes offer a far easier way to tackle dental hygiene without the mess and fighting that regular brushing often involves. I found these wipes really helped to keep Lorelei’s mouth nice and clean, something that can be especially challenging in a 9-year-old dog. Knowing that the ingredients used are natural is a huge relief as well.

For anyone struggling with cleaning their pet’s teeth, I urge you to try the Pure And Natural Pet Dental Finger Wipes rather than some of the other traditional at-home tooth cleaning methods – you won’t regret it!

The post Pure And Natural Pet Plaque And Tartar Dental Finger Wipes Review 2025: Clearing Plaque & Tartar One Swipe At A Time appeared first on PangoVet.