Health Problems in Dalmations

Dalmatians are easy to spot because of their spots! They are a beautiful dog breed, but they are also prone to some specific health concerns. If you are considering adopting a Dalmatian, you should be aware of certain signs so that you can be alert for any health issues concerning your future pet.

Deafness in Dalmations:

Deafness affects about ten per cent of Dalmatians. Between 8 and 12 per cent of this breed are born deaf and about 22 per cent are born with normal hearing in one ear only.

If you suspect your Dalmatian might be deaf or partially deaf, you can request that your veterinarian perform the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response Test (BAER).

It is important for Dalmatian owners to know if their dog is deaf so they can teach the dog signs and make accommodations for the safety and well being of their deaf dog. It’s also important for those who plan to breed as only bilateral hearing dogs should be bred.

Skin Allergies and Irritations in Dalmations:

In order to avoid skin allergies or irritations, which have been known to plague this breed, it is important to feed your Dalmatian a healthy diet.

Your veterinarian might recommend supplementing your dog’s food with omega fatty acids, and either way, an omega fatty acid supplement

would enhance your Dalmation’s skin and coat health. (Click here for more on Dermatrix)

Perhaps you may opt for having some over the counter antihistamines on hand in the event that your dog is experiencing allergies or irritations.

Also, keep exposure to stress, heat and humidity to a minimum as these will contribute to the irritations. If your Dalmatian inhales allergens such as pollen or mold, you might see a higher incidence of skin allergies, so be mindful of his environment.

Bladder Stones in Dalmations:

It is important to provide your Dalmatian with plenty of water and opportunities to go outside and relieve himself.

The Dalmation suffers from a high incidence of Bladder stones, which can be minimized with a healthy diet and plenty of water, but keep your eye out for signs that your Dalmatian is suffering from stones. These dogs have a high uric acid content in their urine which can be worsened with too much protein in the diet.

Symptoms of bladder stones in dogs include not urinating, not requesting to go outside to urinate and the appearance of feeling discomfort. There are natural products that can assist with bladder stones, and are a great way to ensure that the bladder and urinary tract are kept healthy and free from problems.  (Click here for more information on keeping your dog’s bladder and urinary tract healthy).

Hip Dysplasia in Dalmations:

Like many large breeds, the Dalmatian breed can be prone to hip dysplasia. It’s a common problem for large, active dogs who jump and run and play. If you suspect your Dalmatian is experiencing pain in the hip (you see him limping, favoring a leg, etc.) take him into the vet for an x-ray to determine the seriousness of the dysplasia and an appropriate course of action.

Hip Dysplasia can be a serious health problem for any dog, but in many instances it can be kept under control with natural arthritis products for pets.

Hypothyroidism in Dalmations:

You know your Dalmatian best. If you suspect he is exhibiting signs of lethargy, weight gain or depression, he might be experiencing Hypothyroidism, which is common in this breed. It’s very important to see your veterinarian if you suspect this is the case as it can also result in seizures.

Again, there are natural products that can greatly assist in maintaining healthy thyroid function in dogs. Because hypothyroidism is common in Dalmations, you may wish to consider giving your Dalmation a natural thyroid remedy to give him the best chance of not actually developing the condition.

Demodex Mites in Dalmations:

Dalmatians have been known to be a breed that commonly suffers from Demodex mites. Demodex mites can be found on the skin of all dogs, but those whose immune systems are not functioning optimally suffer from an increase of these mites, which is sometimes the case with Dalmatians.

Most Dalmatians’ immune systems will mature and the problem will solve itself. However, for those who don’t, the mites have to be scraped from the skin and the dog needs to be treated with a mite killing dip.

One way to avoid this problem is to boost your Dalmation’s immunity with a natural immune system booster.  A healthy immune system can beat almost any illness or disease, and it starts with a healthy diet.  But oftentimes that is not enough, particularly in breeds, like Dalmations, that are susceptible to certain types of conditions, like Demodex, that result directly from less than optimal immune system functioning.

(This article was written in conjunction with the authors at pet super store an online pet shop that carries dog beds, patio pet doors, and dog houses.)