Modern technologies are increasingly penetrating everyday life, and today they are actively used not only for human needs, but also for pets. One of these technologies is genetic testing of dogs, a service that is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners. What is it, why is it needed, and how does the process go? Let's take a closer look.
What is Dog Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing is an analysis of the animal's DNA, which allows you to obtain information about the dog's origin, identify predispositions to various diseases, as well as behavioral characteristics, and even reactions to certain medications. All this is based on studying the dog's genome - the totality of its hereditary information.
For dog owners, this can be a real discovery. After all, it often happens that we do not know the exact breed of our pet, especially if it was taken from a shelter or found on the street. A genetic test can reveal the "secret of origin" and help better understand the individual characteristics of the pet.
How is a Genetic Test Performed?
The procedure is extremely simple and does not require a visit to a veterinary clinic. The owner only needs to order a special kit, for example, on the Basepaws website, one of the leading services in the field of animal DNA testing. The kit includes a cotton swab, which is used to take a smear from the inside of the dog's cheek. The sample is then sent to a lab, where specialists perform an analysis.
After a few weeks (4-6 on average), the client receives a detailed report. It contains information about the dog's origin, its genetic characteristics, and data on potential health risks.
What the test shows
- Breed and origin
The test determines the breeds present in the dog's genetics. Sometimes the results are unexpected. For example, a dog resembling a mongrel may be a carrier of Labrador, bulldog or collie genes.
- Genetic diseases
A genetic test can reveal a predisposition to more than a hundred hereditary diseases, including hip dysplasia, epilepsy, diabetes, cataracts, and others. This is especially important for owners of purebred dogs, who are likelier to have certain diseases.
- Behavior and metabolism characteristics
Some tests can provide insight into possible character traits, such as a tendency to anxiety, activity, or a protective instinct. The analysis can also show how a dog digests different types of food or reacts to painkillers.
Why Dog Genetic Testing?
1. Health and disease prevention
Knowing about potential risks, an owner can take action in advance: change the diet, choose the right physical activity, and conduct regular examinations. This is especially important for the prevention of chronic and intractable diseases.
2. Individual approach to training
Understanding genetic behavioral characteristics helps to adjust training. If a dog has a high level of anxiety or a strong protective instinct, it is important to consider this in training and socialization.
3. Conscious breeding
For breeders, testing allows you to avoid crossing dogs with matching recessive disease genes, thereby reducing the risk of having sick puppies.
4. Curiosity and emotional connection
Many owners simply want to learn more about their pet. Discovering the pedigree or genetic “secrets” of a dog can strengthen the emotional bond between a person and an animal.
Basepaws: Learn More About Your Pet
Basepaws is one of the most famous companies in the field of genetic testing of pets. Initially specializing in cats, the company has expanded its range of tests and now offers accurate, detailed and scientifically based reports for dogs.
Many dog owners care about their pets' health as much as their own. However, understanding the animal's genetics is a step forward that can provide a lot of useful information: from predisposition to diseases to personality traits and behavior. This is what Basepaws does: an innovative company that provides dog genetic testing.
Testing is very simple: using a special kit, you take a sample of your dog's saliva, send it to a lab, and after a few weeks, you receive a full genetic report. The report indicates possible risks of hereditary diseases, breed characteristics, as well as data on behavior and metabolism.
This approach is especially important if you want to prevent diseases, choose the right diet, or understand why your dog behaves in a certain way. For example, a tendency to obesity, hip dysplasia, or food allergies can be determined at the genetic level.
Benefits of using the Basepaws service:
- Reliable results based on an extensive genetic database;
- Simple DNA collection procedure without stress for the animal;
- Customer support and explanations of reports;
- Participation in updates - as the database is replenished, you can receive updated data.
Conclusion
Dog genetic testing is an effective way to get to know your pet better, provide it with better care, and prevent possible health problems in advance. The Basepaws service makes this procedure accessible and understandable for every owner. Even if you are sure that you know your dog inside and out, DNA analysis may surprise you.
After all, the more we know, the better we can take care of those who are dear to us.
