Mimi Padmabandu

Dogs aren’t only humankind’s best friend; they’re also a valuable model species for medical genetics research.  Led by Adam Boyko, PhD, Chief Science Officer at Embark, a team of researchers from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, China Agricultural University, and La Sierra University conducted a genetic study of over 4,200 dogs....

Known for their sunny coat and disposition, Golden Retrievers are widely recognized as one of the most popular dog breeds in America. Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers are also overrepresented for certain diseases, with more documented mortalities due to cancer than nearly any other breed (Kent et al. 2018; Dobson 2013).  The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study by...

We know it’s never easy to think about your dog getting older. You might have recently learned that your dog is older than you thought. Perhaps you adopted a senior dog, and you’re wondering what type of senior dog care is appropriate for them. Whatever the case may be, having an accurate idea of your dog’s age...

Though it is well accepted that dogs were the first domesticated animals, the question of where dogs came from is still a heated debate among scientists.  Over the past decade, various studies pointed to Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia as the likely origin for dogs, depending on what samples the researchers had and...

The Embark Age Test uses a dog’s DNA to estimate their calendar age. Specifically, it uses a type of epigenetic marker called DNA methylation. There are several physical clues that veterinarians use to estimate dog age, including body shape and lens clarity. Teeth can also indicate a dog’s age, although not all dogs follow the...

When we think of Alaskan sled dogs, breeds like the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, or even the Samoyed usually come to mind. These are the types of dogs popularized by movies like Snow Dogs, White Fang, Balto, and Togo. But according to Dr. Heather Huson, many other types of dogs can be modern sled dogs,...

Humans and dogs have shared a lot of history. Our relationship with dogs started before the agricultural revolution, and it continues well into today. For many of us, dogs are not just pets; they are family members. The science behind why we love our dogs is extensive. Researchers are constantly uncovering new findings that help...

There are several ways veterinarians estimate dog age and puppy age. Knowing a dog’s life stage can help inform what kind of lifestyle and preventive care plan are right for them.  As dogs age, their social, behavioral, and health needs change. Read on to learn more about the different dog life stages and find tips...

At Embark, our scientists are working hard to improve dog health, with the help of our customers through community science. Embark conducted a study of over 190,000 Embark customers, plus 1,977 additional pet owners in all 50 states, to find out where pet owners are going the extra mile to care for their dogs in...

In 2017, Dr. Bill Ballard at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia won a competition to sequence the “world’s most interesting” genome. He chose the Australian dingo. Specifically, they sequenced the DNA of a desert dingo named Sandy. This work created the first full Australian dingo genome, published in a new study in 2022. The...

When she brought Molly to the veterinarian for a regular physical exam, Sue Benner didn’t expect to find a genetic health risk. That surprise finding may have saved Molly’s life. Sue took Molly, her 4-month old purebred Keeshond puppy, to see Dr. Sharon Minninger at Telford Veterinary Hospital in Souderton, Pennsylvania for a physical examination...

While there are many companies out there claiming to have the best dog DNA test, Embark leads the pack. Our team is made up of scientists, veterinary geneticists, and other experts in the field who are all committed to helping dogs live their healthiest lives. Keep reading to find out why Embark offers the best...