Dalmatian dog breed

Your Dalmatian’s diet will vary depending on their lifestyle and age. Feeding them well-balanced, high-quality dog food can keep them in ideal shape. Always check the food packaging for instructions on how much food to give them. 

Dalmatians can be prone to bladder stones, so consider a low-purine diet with limited beef, liver and kidney. It’s also worth holding back on table scraps, as Dalmatians can have a high level of uric acid. 

When bringing your dog home for the first time, try to feed them at the same time every day to build a routine. Make sure to leave a gap after eating before taking your furry friend out for some exercise.

Dalmatians are one of the most recognisable breeds in the world, and it’s all thanks to their coat. Short, dense and dotted with spots, a Dalmatian’s coat is fairly low maintenance. 

You can get away with occasional baths and a weekly brush with a horsehair mitt or rubber comb. But Dalmatians do shed a lot – especially during spring and autumn – which can tickle the noses of people with fur allergies.

The breed are also prone to skin allergies, so consider shampoos and products that are designed for sensitive skin. Always trim their nails once a month, brush their teeth weekly and check their ears for any signs of infection.

Dalmatians are energetic dogs that need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. They’re well known for their endurance and speed you’ll need to take them on lots of walks to use up their energy. 

Your Dalmatian will need at least two hours of exercise a day – whether that’s through free running or a brisk walk on a lead. They can easily get into mischief without enough physical and mental exercise, so don’t forget to introduce fun puzzle games too. 

Dalmatian dogs are as intelligent as they are active, so they are easily trained. Thanks to their history as carriage dogs and firedogs – Dalmatians are at their best when they have a job to do. 

Structured training sessions that cater to their high energy levels and bright nature works well for them. This can include fetch, agility training, puzzle toys and interactive games. 

This breed can be very sensitive, so positive reinforcement such as treats, praise and head pats are a must. It’s important to train and socialise your Dalmatian early to ensure they grow into a confident, well-mannered companion.

Dalmatian bronzing syndrome, also called “Dal crud”, is a form of bacterial folliculitis seen exclusively in Dalmatian dogs. This condition causes bronze or pink colouration in the coat, which can lead to crusty skin patches, hair loss and inflamed hair follicles.

Causes of Dal crud can include stress, genetics, allergies, environmental changes or diet. Your Dalmatian may need special shampoo, antibiotics, medication or dietary changes to manage this condition. 

Hip dysplasia is a malformation in the dog’s hip joints during growth, affecting Dalmatians and other large breeds. This occurs when the ball and socket joints in the pelvis grow at different rates, leading to arthritis and immobility.

Treatment can range from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), joint supplements, injections and physical therapy. 

Deafness is inherited in the Dalmatian breed, with 5% of Dalmatians born totally deaf, and another 15-30% reportedly deaf in one ear. An otherwise healthy pooch that fails to respond to verbal cues, barks excessively and is easily startled may have deafness in one of both ears.

It’s important to test your Dalmatian’s hearing through the BAER testing programme as early as possible. Deaf dogs will require special training, such as using hand signals instead of voice commands.

Bladder stones (or uroliths) are more likely to develop in Dalmatians than other breeds. When rock-like mineral formations develop in the urinary bladder, bladder stones are formed. Common signs include blood in the urine and straining to urinate.

Dogs with bladder stones can be treated with surgical removal, non-surgical removal through urohydropropulsion and dietary dissolution. 

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