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Sample TipsHow to CollectWhat Happens Next
Tips

Tips for Taking Your Dog’s Sample

Tips for Taking Your Dog’s Sample

  • Familiarize Your Dog

    Before collecting the sample, use a regular cotton swab to gently rub your dog’s cheek. This helps your dog get used to the feeling.
  • Ask for Help
    If possible, have another person gently hold and comfort your dog while you collect the sample.
  • Be Patient
    Take your time and stay gentle. Some dogs may need a little extra reassurance or time to cooperate.
  • Familiarize Your Dog

    Before collecting the sample, use a regular cotton swab to gently rub your dog’s cheek. This helps your dog get used to the feeling.
  • Ask for Help
    If possible, have another person gently hold and comfort your dog while you collect the sample.
  • Be Patient
    Take your time and stay gentle. Some dogs may need a little extra reassurance or time to cooperate.
Collect

Steps for Collecting the Sample

Step 1

Activate Your Dog’s Kit

  • Scan the barcode or visit livpet.com/activate.
  • You’ll need the Sample ID found on your collection tube or bottle.
THIS STEP IS CRUCIAL. WE CANNOT PROCESS THE SAMPLE UNLESS YOUR KIT HAS BEEN ACTIVATED
Step 2

Prepare Your Dog

  • Make sure your dog has not eaten or drunk anything for at least 30 minutes before swabbing. (This helps ensure we collect enough high-quality genetic material.)
Step 3

Label the Tube

  • Write your name, your dog’s name, and the date on the collection tube.
Step 4

Open the Swab Package

  • Touch only the plastic handle — keep the swab tip dry and clean until you’re ready to collect.
Step 5

Position Your Dog

  • Hold your dog’s head gently but securely.
  • Insert the swab between the inner cheek and gum line.
Step 6

Collect the Sample

  • Apply gentle outward pressure and swab the cheek 20 times (30–60 seconds), rotating the swab as you go.
Step 7

Secure the Swab

  • Place the swab directly into the collection tube.
  • Snap off the handle at the breakpoint halfway down the swab.
Step 8

Mix the Sample

  • Cap the tube tightly and invert it 10 times so the swab is fully covered by the solution.
Step 9

Package the Sample

  • Place the tube inside the provided biohazard bag.
  • Then put the sealed bag into the prepaid envelope and seal it securely.
Step 10

Mail the Sample

  • Drop your package in the USPS mail within 24 hours of collection.

What Happens After You Send the Sample

At LivPet, every sample is handled with care to ensure accurate, meaningful results for your pet.

SAMPLE RECEIVED

Once your sample reaches our lab, you’ll receive an email confirmation that your sample has arrived safely. This marks the start of the testing process.

  • DNA Extraction (Estimated time: 1–2 weeks)

    We carefully isolate your dog’s DNA from the cheek swab, separating it from other materials such as cell debris or salts.

    How it’s done:

    The cells in the sample are gently broken open, and the DNA is purified using specialized chemical methods. The result is a clean DNA sample, ready for sequencing. 
  • DNA Sequencing (Estimated time: 3–4 weeks)
    We “read” your dog’s genetic code — identifying the sequence of nucleotides (A, T, C, and G) — to uncover unique genetic patterns and health markers. 

    How it’s done:
    Advanced sequencing machines (such as next-generation sequencers) analyze the sequence of the purified DNA and generate detailed digital data. Our scientists then interpret this data to create your dog’s personalized genetic profile and health insights.

RESULTS DELIVERY

Once testing is complete, you’ll receive a comprehensive report via email detailing your dog’s results and what they mean for their health and well-being.

Your report will include:

  • Your dog’s biological age
  • Genetic markers that evaluate traits like skin health, weight management, trainability, and cognitive function
  • Risk assessments for health conditions related to cognition, kidney issues, and metabolic concerns
  • Personalized recommendations to support your dog’s long-term health and vitality

ONGOING RECOMMENDATIONS

To monitor your dog’s wellness and see how their biological profile changes over time, we recommend repeating the DNA test every 6–12 months. This helps you track your dog’s progress, see how their health is improving, and take steps to keep them feeling their best.

At LivPet, every sample is handled with care to ensure accurate, meaningful results for your pet.

SAMPLE RECEIVED

Once your sample reaches our lab, you’ll receive an email confirmation that your sample has arrived safely. This marks the start of the testing process.

  • DNA Extraction (Estimated time: 1–2 weeks)

    We carefully isolate your dog’s DNA from the cheek swab, separating it from other materials such as cell debris or salts.

    How it’s done:

    The cells in the sample are gently broken open, and the DNA is purified using specialized chemical methods. The result is a clean DNA sample, ready for sequencing. 
  • DNA Sequencing (Estimated time: 3–4 weeks)
    We “read” your dog’s genetic code — identifying the sequence of nucleotides (A, T, C, and G) — to uncover unique genetic patterns and health markers. 

    How it’s done:
    Advanced sequencing machines (such as next-generation sequencers) analyze the sequence of the purified DNA and generate detailed digital data. Our scientists then interpret this data to create your dog’s personalized genetic profile and health insights.

RESULTS DELIVERY

Once testing is complete, you’ll receive a comprehensive report via email detailing your dog’s results and what they mean for their health and well-being.

Your report will include:

  • Your dog’s biological age
  • Genetic markers that evaluate traits like skin health, weight management, trainability, and cognitive function
  • Risk assessments for health conditions related to cognition, kidney issues, and metabolic concerns
  • Personalized recommendations to support your dog’s long-term health and vitality

ONGOING RECOMMENDATIONS

To monitor your dog’s wellness and see how their biological profile changes over time, we recommend repeating the DNA test every 6–12 months. This helps you track your dog’s progress, see how their health is improving, and take steps to keep them feeling their best.

Keep Your Dog’s Health on Track

Keep Your Dog’s Health on Track

Your dog’s story doesn’t end with one test — it evolves with time. Give your pup the best care possible by checking in on their health regularly.

Your dog’s story doesn’t end with one test — it evolves with time. Give your pup the best care possible by checking in on their health regularly.

View all

Order another LivPet DNA Test and continue your journey toward a happier, healthier dog.

myDogDNAge
myDogDNAge
myDogDNAge
myDogDNAge
myDogDNAge
myDogDNAge

myDogDNAge

$199 USD

myDogDNAge reveals your dog’s molecular health, helping you to adjust their diet, activity, and overall care to increase their health and happiness.

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