Caring for a Dalmatian

There are many important responsibilities associated with becoming a Dalmatian owner, and many of these topics apply to other breeds of dogs as well: veterinary needs, food, exercise, and grooming.

Immunizing your Dalmatian against disease is a simple process, a routine procedure in any veterinary office, and should be a yearly procedure in your adult dog's life. When your puppy is three months old, consult your veterinarian about the vaccinations it needs. Normally immunizations against distemper, parvo, and rabies are given at this time. Your vet may also recommend vaccinations against bordatella, lyme disease, and coronavirus and will also check the heart, lungs, stomach, teeth, gums, eyes, ears, and look for skin problems.

Unless you are planning to breed your Dalmatian, your pet should be spayed or neutered. Check with your vet when this operation should be done to your dog, usually no earlier than six months old. Neutering your pet prevents unwanted pregnancies and litters of mixed breed puppies that could end up at the dog pound to be destroyed. Also your Dalmatian will become a better pet. Neutered male dogs are less likely to exhibit dominance, roam, and mark their territory around your house. Spayed female dogs are also less likely to wander and mark their territory and are better pets when not experiencing their heat cycle, which can lead to personality changes.

Most Dalmatian owners purchase premium dry dog food due to the high quality ingredients. Dalmatians do best on a low protein dog food such as a lamb and rice formula. Good choices are Nutro's, Iams, Pro Plan, and Nature's Recipe, but there are many other good dry foods and your vet or knowledgeable pet store employee can assist you in making a choice. Dalmatians do not require canned dog food, but a supplement of cooked rice with a small amount of cheese or peanut butter will turn that dry food into a scrumptious meal for your pet. It is important that your Dalmatian have a high quality dry dog food because this will lessen the chances of skin allergy conditions or urinary stones. If Dalmatians eat a diet that is too high in protein they can develop browning, a skin discoloration most noticeable on their belly or around their mouth. You will have to experiment a little with your Dalmatian to figure out an eating schedule. Our Dalmatian was on free choice and always had dry food available in her dish. She didn't seem to be overeating, but eventually the pounds crept up on her and we cut her back to a mug of dry food twice a day. Your breeder or veterinarian can offer suggestions but no dog eats the same. Some Dalmatians are hungrier than others and can be fast eaters. You'll have to figure out what works best with your dog. Dalmatians will eat almost any food and are notorious thieves. Our Dalmatian has stolen freshly baked batches of cookies, Christmas fruitcake, cheesecake, donuts, bread, hot dogs, pepperoni, popcorn, Werther's candies, and even a frozen cappuccino! People food in small amounts will not hurt your Dalmatian, but absolutely no chocolate which can be poisonous to dogs.

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