How to Groom a Dalmatian: 7 Expert Tips
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Dalmatians are known for their spotted coat as well as their endurance and strength. To many people, they are firehouse dogs, but they are also kept as working dogs for hunting, and they are also very popular companion pets. They have a short coat which requires minimal maintenance, but they do enjoy being outside and their tendency to roll around in the mud and potentially jump about in the water means the coat can get mucky quickly.
Knowing how to groom your Dalmatian will help ensure that they continue to look their best. Maintenance
The Dalmatian
In terms of grooming, the Dalmatian is a relatively low-maintenance breed. It has a short, slick coat, which means less brushing and cutting is required compared to the likes of Retrievers and Poodles. However, some care is required as it benefits the dog and you. This is especially true because the Dalmatian is an outdoor dog. It loves to spend time in the garden and out on walks, and this can lead to your Dal getting dirty.
Coat
The Dalmatian coat is short and smooth, which means it is relatively easy to breed to groom. With that said, you can’t completely ignore grooming requirements.
1. Brush Regularly
The coat is short, which means that brushing will take a few minutes at most. It also means that the Dalmatian’s skin doesn’t have much protection against the brush. Don’t use a brush that has sharp pins and be gentle while brushing. Brush two or three times a week, or if your dog has been out and got particularly messy.
Brush in the direction of the coat and don’t skip the brushing sessions. The short hair makes it seem as though your dog doesn’t shed, but that isn’t true. The Dalmatian sheds as much as most other breeds and they can still be uncomfortable if they are left to gather.
2. Bathe When Required
Dalmatians are naturally clean dogs and you will notice yours licking itself clean regularly. The breed is not known for being especially smelly, but it does enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible. This means that the Dal can get dusty and dirty, and bathing will help keep the coat in good condition. Bathe every 6 weeks to 2 months, as required. Try to avoid bathing more often than this or you may damage the coat as you strip it of natural oils.
Bathing your pet can be challenging, but the right shampoo will make it a lot easier! We have two favorite shampoos for the job, both are safe, all-natural shampoos designed with your pets in mind. Our soothing shampoos are pH balanced, made in the USA, and free of glutens, dyes, sulfates, and phthalates. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right option for your pet’s next bath!
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 Hepper Waterless No Rinse Pet Shampoo |
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| Natural cucumber & aloe scent |
Natural cucumber & aloe scent:
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Natural cucumber & aloe scent:
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Safe for cats & dogs:
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Rinsing required:
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| Free of harsh chemicals & nasty ingredients |
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Lathers easily:
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3. Get Everything Ready
Not all dogs like being bathed, and even those that do enjoy it will typically have limited patience. This means you need to make the bathing process as quick and easy as possible. Before you start, make sure you have a cloth, shampoo, and a towel ready. A wet Dalmatian can still quickly soak a room by shaking itself dry.
Nails
A dog’s nails are important. If they get long, it is not only painful for you and other people when the dog jumps up or bats you for attention, but it can cause discomfort for the dog when the dog is walking.
4. Cut Every 2 Months
Generally, how often you need to cut a dog’s nails will depend on how often and how much you walk the dog on abrasive surfaces like concrete. If your Dalmatian spends all its time on soft grass or dirt, it may need more frequent nail cutting. Generally, you will need to trim nails every 2 months or so. Ideally, this should start when the dog is young, getting them used to the act of having their nails cut. Buy nail clippers, avoid cutting too much off so that you don’t cut down the quick, and keep your Dal’s nails short.
5. Clean the Pads
The pads are another area of the feet you need to care for. As well as checking the pads themselves for signs of abrasion, cuts, and other damage, get a q tip and clean between the pads. This will remove any dirt and debris and it will prevent damage and injuries that can occur in this way.
Teeth
Your dog can’t brush its own teeth, which means this is another role that you will have to take on for your dog. This is also another practice that you should start when the dog is a puppy because it can be difficult to persuade an older dog to let you stick a toothbrush in its mouth.
6. Brush Three Times a Week
If you start when your dog is young, it won’t mind the whole tooth-brushing experience, and each brush should only take a minute or two. If it is easy, you can brush every day, but you should brush at least three times a week to help minimize the risk of tooth decay, plaque, and tartar.
Ears
Although Dalmatian ears aren’t particularly long or large, they are large enough that debris can get caught inside and potentially cause infection, and ear wax shouldn’t be allowed to build up or remain in the ear for too long.
7. Check Weekly
Check inside the ears once or twice a week and look for wax and debris. It is useful to get into a routine of checking the ears whenever you brush your dog. You can use a damp cotton ball to remove any dirt, and if the ears are especially dirty, get a specialist ear-cleaning product.
Conclusion
Dalmatians are beautiful, proud dogs. They will try to keep themselves as clean as possible, typically through regular licking. But, even with regular self-grooming, Dalmatians, who love to spend time outdoors, can get dirty and dusty.
Regular brushing, bathing, ear checking, and teeth cleaning are essential steps in owning a dog, and you should get into a regular routine performing each of these tasks and ensure your Dalmatian is comfortable, clean, and healthy.
Featured Image Credit: yurakrasil, Shutterstock
