How to Keep a Dalmatian Healthy

After finding a reputable Dalmatian breeder and purchasing a puppy, there are a few more things to learn about taking care of your pet. Dalmatians are different from other dogs in temperament and food digestion. A reputable breeder will inform any new client about the differences in the breed so it is important to find one that specializes in Dalmatians.Aside from regular vaccinations and veterinary check-ups, making use of the following suggestions will help ensure that you and your pet have a long and happy journey together.

Things You'll Need

• Reputable Dalmatian Breeder
• Licensed Veterinarian
• High Quality Dog Food
• Food and Water Bowls
• Collar and Leash
• Dog Shampoo and Conditioner
• Dog Nail Clippers
• Dog Ear Cleaner

Instructions

1. Feed a Dalmatian puppy a diet low in purines. Choose a dog food with ingredients of corn, wheat and rice, in that order. Chicken can be included, but not ever when listed as one of the first two ingredients.

2. Split feedings into two sessions to prevent a build up of uric acids. Any build up of uric acids in the Dalmatian’s system can lead to kidney stones or other medical problems.

3. Provide fresh water for your puppy at all times. Puppies need to stay well hydrated to keep up their energy levels. The provision of fresh drinking water is almost as important as food for active puppies.

4. Brush the Dalmatian puppy’s teeth on a regular basis, everyday if possible. For the best results, a quick brushing after every meal will keep your puppy’s teeth healthy and strong throughout its lifetime.

Exercising a Dalmatian

1. Exercise a young Dalmatian (under 18 months old) by playtime and short walks on soft surfaces. Dalmatians are eager to please and keep up with their masters, especially on long walks or runs. Sometimes they will run beyond what their young bodies can tolerate and will exhaust themselves.

2. Jog with a middle aged Dalmatian (3 to 6 years old) or engage in vigorous walking to give the dog a sense of accomplishment and companionship. Watch the dog closely because a Dalmatian will not give in to tiredness or pain until its owner is home safely and at rest.

3. Go back to short walks and playtime at the park for Dalmatians over 6-years-old. Hips can start to become sore after a very short period of play but, again, this breed will not stop until it is safely home.

Grooming a Dalmatian

1. Bathe a Dalmatian no more than every 8 to 12 weeks unless a situation arises that warrants giving a bath sooner. Use a quality shampoo and conditioning treatment for best results. If a medicated shampoo is used, be sure to leave it on for the recommended time.

2. Dry the dog completely after every bath. Skin conditions can occur on a dog if it is not properly dried off after bathing. Check the Dalmatian’s skin condition both during bathing and drying. Any redness or flea dirt should be treated immediately or looked at by a veterinarian.

3. Clean the ears regularly with an ear cleaner recommended for use on dogs. Use cotton swabs to remove any loose dirt and note any redness or inflammation to be looked at by a veterinarian.

4. Clip the Dalmatian puppy’s toenails to an acceptably short length, careful not to clip too short. If bleeding occurs, quickly apply styptic powder to the affected nail. Dalmatians are so active that nail trimming is not always necessary.

5. Check the tip of the Dalmatian puppy’s tail for splitting on a regular basis. As a happy, or anxious breed, the long tail often bares the brunt of being slapped against walls or kennels. If splitting occurs, use a liquid bandage to cover the affected area and keep the dog in a calm quiet area until it heals properly. Have a veterinarian look at severe or infected tail splitting.

Tips & Warnings

• Dalmatians process purines, or uric acids, more like humans than any other breed of dog. Most commercial dog foods are high in uric acids, therefore can’t be tolerated by a Dalmatian. See the warning section below for foods high in uric acid.

• Choosing a breeder that specializes in Dalmatians is very important because he is aware of the problems in temperament and digestion with this dog breed. A reputable breeder will also be on top of all vaccinations for the puppies, a must for a good healthy start.

• Avoid foods high in purines and uric acid levels.

• Foods highest in purine or uric acid levels include organ meats; game meats; gravies and meat extracts; canned snack fishes such as sardines and herring, and sweet breads.

• Foods high in purine or uric acid levels: Meats (beef, veal, pork and lamb); poultry (not as high as red meats); fish and shellfish (fresh and saltwater); oatmeal; whole grains; wheat germ and legumes; asparagus; cauliflower; mushrooms and spinach.

• Deafness runs in all white coated animals as a genetic trait. While reputable breeders will not adopt out a totally deaf Dalmatian, be sure to have your puppy’s hearing tested by a licensed veterinarian.

Resources

• Dogs Rule Iowa