Types of DNA samples and how to take a DNA sample from your dog
Tomarctus SA 1
This is the most common method for collecting DNA on dogs today. To
take a sample from your dog, do the following:
1. Wash your hands before and between dogs.
2. Take a minimum of 2 swabs per dog - taking 3 swabs per dog is even
more ideal for research purposes.
3. DO NOT take a mouth swab from a dog that has eaten within 2 hours
or less - dog food has animal DNA in it, and can get mixed in with
your dog's DNA.
4. Take the swab out of the package - peel back just the top quarter
of the wrapper to get the swab out.
5. Rub the swab inside the dog's mouth between the cheek and the gum
line - you can rub it back and forth as well as twirl it. You don't
need to make the dog bleed - you are just collecting cells from the
gum surface.
6. Put the swab back in the wrapper - DO NOT tape the wrapper.
Moisture sealed in with the swab can cause the swab to mold, damaging
the DNA.
7. Put some type of identification on the wrapper - the call name and
your last name, the AKC number, the registered name, a code, etc.
8. These samples can last for decades as long as they are kept in a
clean, dry container.
9. If these sample are being taken for a current research project,
then send them to the research university as soon as possible. Be
sure
to ship them in a container that will not allow moisture to get at
the
samples (i.e. shipping them in a paper envelope is probably not the
best idea).
2. HAIR SAMPLES:
Some labs are now using hair samples to collect DNA. At this time,
none of the research facilities we are using do. However, in the near
future, surely most research facilities will have the technology to
do
so. Cheek swabs are a much better way to get DNA, however,
additionally having hair samples in storage may not be a bad idea.
The
hair must be "plucked" to ideally get a significant amount of DNA
(i.e. has to have the follicle on the end of the hair). Samples can
be
stored in Ziploc bags, but leave one end of the bag open so that
moisture does not accumulate in the bag resulting in molding of the
sample.
3. BLOOD SAMPLES:
Of all the sources to obtain DNA from your dog, blood samples are the
best. They provide a very large amount of DNA for projects. However,
there are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Blood must be put into a "purple" topped EDTA tube.
2. The samples must be sent on ice to the university - do not freeze
the samples, just keep them cool.
3. They must be sent to the university ASAP (within days) of taking
the samples.
They can not be stored in the dog owner's home for decades like cheek
and hair samples can. Blood samples are good for only a week or
slightly longer.