Basepaws

05/28/2026

Dalmatians may be one of the most recognizable dog breeds on the planet, but their iconic spots don’t actually show up right away 🖤

Dalmatian puppies are born with completely white coats, and their famous markings begin appearing around 10 to 14 days later as pigment-producing cells activate after birth. Even though the fur starts solid white, the underlying skin often already contains the pigmentation map for where future spots will emerge.

Their distinctive pattern is created through interactions between several genes. A gene linked to extreme white spotting keeps most of the coat pigment-free, while other genetic loci, including the Ticking and Flecking loci, help determine where melanin appears later as spots across the coat.

The spots continue developing, darkening, and spreading over the first several months of life, with a Dalmatian’s full adult pattern sometimes taking up to 18 months to fully mature. And just like fingerprints, no two Dalmatians have the same spot pattern ✨

05/26/2026

Happy ! 🧡

Did you know the same fascinating gene mutations that create beautiful red hair in humans also give our feline friends their gorgeous ginger coats? It all comes down to pheomelanin – the pigment responsible for yellow & red coloring! 🧬

In cats, there's a special red gene (O/o) located on the X chromosome that determines whether a cat will have any orange coloring. This gene controls the production of orange pigments – when the dominant version is present, it overrides the usual black or brown pigmentation and creates those beautiful ginger tones instead. Additional genetic variations can enhance this effect, producing the incredibly vibrant oranges and warm yellows we see in some cats!

05/20/2026

Happy 🐶❤️ Do you have a rescue story? Share it in the comments! pittie

05/14/2026

I'm honored 🥹

05/12/2026

Meet Maya, our gorgeous California queen! 👑✨

This beautiful girl knows she's stunning and isn't afraid to show some attitude when things don't go her way – we love a cat with personality! 😸 As Maya enters her golden years, her loving parents wanted to stay ahead of any potential health concerns, so they chose Basepaws to get insights into her genetic health 🧬

Head to our 🔗 in bio to shop our Cat DNA tests!

05/08/2026

Your dog’s anxiety isn’t always loud 🐾

Sometimes it looks like pacing, yawning, lip licking, whining, clinginess, or those “I can’t settle down” zoomie spirals. Learning the signs = helping them feel safe sooner ❤️

05/08/2026

When thunder rolls, some pups unravel 🌩️🐶

If your dog turns into a nervous little storm cloud at the first rumble, this Zoetis Petcare blog has calming tips, safe spaces, and simple ways to help them feel secure through the noise. Share the love + tag a friend who needs this in honor of :

While you may think that your dog's response to thunder is normal, it’s actually a medical condition that has a significant emotional impact on your dog.

04/24/2026

Why is your cat suddenly acting as if they’ve never been fed a day in their life? 🤔

As the days get longer, your cat’s body shifts out of winter mode and into go mode. More daylight = more activity, more zoomies, and a metabolism that’s ready to spend energy instead of conserve it ⚡

In winter, cats tend to slow down and nap like it’s their full-time job (honestly… it is). But spring flips the switch. They’re hunting shadows, chasing sunbeams, and burning more calories, which means… yep, bigger appetites.

Have you noticed a change in your cat's eating habits? 😸

04/22/2026

April showers = “hard pass” for most pups ☔🐶

Wet grass, loud rain, and muddy paws can make potty time feel like a full sensory overload. Try quick covered potty breaks, high-value treats, and a consistent routine to help them brave the drizzle 🌧️✨

04/17/2026

Because “orange” isn’t the full story… 🧬 Get their DNA breakdown via 🔗 in bio!