How To Care For A Dalmatian With Pictures

If your dog develops bladder stones, it may need even stricter protein restrictions to reduce the risk. Ask your veterinarian what diet they recommend for your Dalmatian. They may recommend that you feed your Dalmatian a low-protein diet only if he starts developing urinary problems. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Dalmatians are also prone to allergies. Avoid multi-colored foods, since they have additives that could cause or aggravate your Dalmatian’s allergies. [5] X Research source

When your puppy is 14 to 16 weeks old, start feeding him twice a day—once in the morning and once in the evening. [7] X Research source Follow the feeding instructions on the food label to determine how much you should feed your puppy per day. Your adult Dalmatian should eat 1. 5 to 2 cups of high-quality dog food per day, split between two meals. [8] X Research source Dalmatians tend to eat quickly, and, if given the chance, would eat to their heart’s content. It is better for Dalmatians to have designated feeding times, rather than being allowed to eat free choice. [9] X Expert Source Amanda Marshall-PolimeniDog Behavior Consultant Expert Interview. 25 February 2021 [10] X Research source

Given how much water your Dalmatian has to drink, he may need to urinate more frequently.

Allot at least 30 minutes of daily exercise with your Dalmatian. [14] X Research source For puppies, break the total exercise time into smaller segments to allow for rest. [15] X Research source

If you have a puppy, wait until he is about 18 months old before taking him for a run. A puppy’s joints need time to develop, and engaging him in vigorous activity before his body is fully developed can lead to injury and orthopedic problems. [19] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Dalmatians also do well in dog performance events, such as Agility, Coursing and Tracking. [20] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Training for these events would be great exercise for your Dalmatian. Your Dalmatian wouldn’t mind some lower-energy activities too, such as a casual stroll. [21] X Research source

Teaching your Dalmatian new tricks is another great way to play with him. Teach him tricks like playing dead, grabbing paw, and rolling over. If you have an enclosed backyard, consider creating an obstacle course for him to jump over and run through things. [24] X Research source Your Dalmatian has a sense of humor, so don’t be surprised if he comes up with things to make you laugh. [25] X Research source He may come up with a trick on his own, just to see you laugh! Don’t forget to give your Dalmatian plenty of toys to play with.

Although there are core vaccinations your puppy should receive (e. g. , rabies, parvovirus), your veterinarian may recommend other vaccinations based on where you live. [26] X Research source If your Dalmatian has urinary issues, you will need to take him to the veterinarian regularly to have his urine checked for crystals. If your Dalmatian is in good health, once or twice yearly veterinary visits should be sufficient.

Allopurinol can reduce the accumulation of urate, thus preventing the formation of urate crystals. [28] X Research source Allopurinol’s effectiveness is variable, though, so your veterinarian will need to check your Dalmatian’s urine for urate crystals on a regular basis. [29] X Research source Urinary stones are more common in males. [30] X Research source

If your Dalmatian develops a skin allergy, his skin will look red and may have some red bumps. [32] X Research source

This test is performed in Dalmatian puppies that are at least 5 weeks old. [35] X Research source If your veterinarian does not perform this test, he or she can recommend a facility where you can have it performed. If you purchased your Dalmatian puppy from a breeder, ask the breeder if the puppy has been BAER tested. Do not stomp your feet or bang on something to test your Dalmatian’s hearing. Even though he would not be able to hear the loud noise, he would be able to feel the vibrations. [36] X Research source

There are a few different grooming tools you can use. Curry combs and slicker brushes work well at removing dead hair. [38] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source A medium-soft rubber curry brush is another good grooming tool. [39] X Research source Grooming gloves are also available. [40] X Research source Brushing your Dalmatian’s coat is a good way to bond with him. [41] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source

Guillotine-style nail clippers are good for trimming dog nails. Trim your Dalmatian’s nails once or twice a month. Take him to your veterinarian or groomer if you are unable to trim the nails on your own. Brush his teeth with dog-specific toothpaste 2 to 3 times/week. [43] X Research source It is best to start brushing his teeth when he is a puppy so he can become comfortable with the process. If your Dalmatian’s ears are smelly, or have a buildup of wax or debris, it is time to clean them. Using an ear cleaning solution recommended by your veterinarian, put some drops of the solution into his ear, hold his ear closed, and massage his ear. Next, let your dog shake his head and use a piece of clean tissue to wipe his ear. [44] X Research source

Since Dalmatians can develop skin allergies, bathe your Dalmatian with a dog-specific shampoo for sensitive skin. [46] X Research source A conditioner is not necessary, but can be helpful if your Dalmatian has dry skin. [47] X Research source Your Dalmatian could develop a skin reaction with a new shampoo. [48] X Research source Be cautious when switching shampoos.

Since Dalmatians like to see just how much they can get away with, start teaching your Dalmatian from an early age about what is appropriate and what is not. [50] X Research source

With a set schedule of going outside, your Dalmatian puppy will be less likely to go the bathroom inside. Your puppy should be housetrained by about 16 to 18 weeks of age. [52] X Research source Although it may be tempting to rely on puppy pee pads for housetraining, your puppy should learn to relieve himself outside. Reward your puppy for going to the bathroom outside, but do not punish or scold him if he has an accident inside. The punishment will only encourage him to go to the bathroom in the house when you’re not looking. [53] X Research source

Adult dalmatians can stay in their crate for up to 6-8 hours, but avoid doing this on a regular basis. Dalmatians can also become bored easily, so you may not want your Dalmatian to have free reign of your house to relieve that boredom. [55] X Research source With crate training, you will make the crate comfortable with treats, toys, and blankets, and encourage your Dalmatian to spend longer and longer periods of time in the crate. Eventually, he will go in the crate willingly and enjoy his time inside of it. Since puppies cannot control their bladders very well, limit your puppy’s crate time to 2 to 3 hours at a time until he’s 6 months old. Beyond 6 months, he can stay in the crate for 6 to 8 hours. [56] X Research source Adult Dalmatians can stay crated for 8 to 10 hours. [57] X Research source Since Dalmatians are prone to developing urinary stones, provide your Dalmatian with plenty of fresh water while he is in the crate. [58] X Research source

Puppy kindergarten will also expose your Dalmatian to new situations and experiences. Dalmatians do not always adapt well to new situations, so puppy kindergarten will teach your Dalmatian how to handle something new in his environment. [60] X Research source Outside of puppy kindergarten, you can introduce your puppy to new people and experiences at home and when you take him out on walks. Without early socialization, your Dalmatian could become very possessive of you and your household, making him unfriendly towards strangers. [61] X Research source When your puppy gets older, enroll him in obedience training where he can learn such basic skills as sitting, staying, and walking on a leash.

Make sure you understand the difference between a guard dog and an attack dog. A guard dog’s main purpose is to alert you to danger. It is an attack dog that will actually attack and bite the intruder. As a guard dog, your Dalmatian will learn how to give an ‘alert bark’ that will let you know when danger is nearby.

Do not ever abuse or yell at your Dalmatian. Dalmatians are very perceptive dogs, and may not easily forget being mistreated. [65] X Research source Mistreatment could lead to future behavioral problems.

The more firm and consistent you are with your training, the more your Dalmatian will respect and trust you as his leader.