Barking Up The Family Tree: Royal Canin Encourages Owners Of Beloved Mutts To Consider Genetic Health Analysis (GHA) Testing

ST. CHARLES, Mo., July 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Our dogs don't wonder where they came from – they're dogs – but more and more of their owners are discovering how that information can help them provide better pet care. This July 31 is National Mutt Day, and Royal Canin, a global leader in pet health nutrition, is encouraging mixed breed pet owners to discover the secrets of their dog's DNA through The ROYAL CANIN® Genetic Health Analysis (GHA). What they learn can be used to tailor the pet's wellness plan to include nutrition, predict a puppy's full grown size, and provide information about possible inherited diseases.

According to the American Humane Association, mixed breed dogs are the most popular type of dog in the United States, comprising 53 percent of the nation's canine population. Just like their purebred counterparts, mutts can have unique characteristics and pre-disposed health concerns associated with their genetic makeup.

Royal Canin recently worked with AllPaws to commission a survey of U.S. adults that revealed uncertainty about the makeup of mixed breed dogs. Among dog owners, 45 percent do not know the breed makeup of their dog, and 44 percent don't know what genetic diseases their dog is more susceptible to as a result of its breed ancestry.

GHA is a Royal Canin veterinary product that uses the latest science to scan dogs' DNA for both ancestry information and specific genetic disease markers, helping to understand breed makeup and risk for many genetic disorders. GHA helps current mixed-breed owners satisfy their curiosity and better the lives of their beloved pets.

One such curious dog owner is actress and singer Jamie Lynn Sigler, who is partnering with Royal Canin to identify the breeds her dog, Bean. Jamie recently visited her veterinarian's office where Bean underwent GHA testing and is now awaiting the results. Follow the journey on Jamie's social channels – Twitter.com/JamieLSigler and Instagram.com/JamieLynnSigler – where she will announce the breed makeup of Bean in the coming weeks.

"Bean is like a family member to us," Sigler said. "We've always wanted to know what breed he is, and we're so excited to find the answer. On top of satisfying my curiosity, we'll know what to feed him, what risks to watch out for and what to expect from him a few years down the road."

Royal Canin GHA can provide behavioral insights and help veterinarians tailor a health and wellness plan based on a dog's genetic code, which can improve a dog's overall quality of life. In addition to learning the breed makeup and behaviors of your dog, GHA can help identify:

• Possible inherited diseases
• Nutritional needs
• Size predictions

"Genetics in veterinary medicine is a rapidly growing field. We have so much more information available to us now that veterinarians and owners can leverage to create an individualized care and wellness plan for each dog's unique needs," said Dr. Angela M Hughes DVM PhD, Veterinary Geneticist with Mars Veterinary. "Our dogs deserve the best care, nutrition, and training and with GHA we can give it to them."

Royal Canin GHA is sold exclusively through veterinary clinics to ensure the most accurate interpretation of the results. The analysis begins by drawing a small, painless blood sample which is mailed to the laboratory. More than 130 genetic mutation tests are conducted on the sample, and the DNA is compared to more than 250 breeds, types and varieties of dogs.

The report sent to the pet owner's veterinarian includes information on breed types, drug sensitivity and more. These results equip the veterinarian to create a proactive health and wellness plan that suits the dog's lifestyle and genetic makeup.

To find a veterinarian or learn more, visit https://www.royalcaningha.com.

ABOUT Royal Canin USA
Royal Canin USA is a leader in science-based cat and dog health nutrition. Founded by a veterinarian in 1968, Royal Canin has more than 40 years of experience in delivering individualized nutritional solutions. In collaboration with an expert team of nutritionists, breeders and veterinarians from around the world, Royal Canin places cats and dogs at the central point of the innovation process. The Royal Canin product line offers a range of diets based on size, age, breed, lifestyle and therapeutic requirements. Royal Canin diets are available at veterinary hospitals and pet specialty stores nationwide. Royal Canin is a subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated. To learn more about Royal Canin, visit www.royalcanin.com and "LIKE" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/royalcanin.us.

SOURCE Royal Canin

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