do dalmatians shed image

Do Dalmatians Shed?

As beautiful as the Dalmatian breed is, there are a few things we as owners should be concerned with when it comes to their grooming. So, do Dalmatians shed?

Dalmatians are known to shed heavily despite having short fur. Regular brushing, combing, shampooing, and baths are the things you can do to manage it and to keep it under control.

No matter what you do, he will continue to shed. 

Typically, most dogs shed about twice per year – once before winter and right after – but that has changed ever since we brought them indoors. They spend most of their time inside, away from the sun, messed with their shedding cycle.

So what you get is a Dalmatian that pretty much sheds year-round. Now, as I said, there are a few things that you can do to reduce it slightly, and that’s what we’re going to discuss today – along with other tips and tricks to maintain a home that’s somewhat less furry.

Shedding Reduction Through Diet

dalmatian eating on a red bowl

The most significant factor when it comes to your Dalmatian’s shiny coat is diet. He needs to get proper nutrition to ensure his coat stays shiny, healthy, and strong. A Dalmatian with a healthy coat will have a nice sleek and shiny coat compared to a dull one.

Before you make any changes to his diet or give him any new supplements, please talk to a veterinarian beforehand. They will be able to best advise you on which changes will be good and which to avoid.

First Place to Start is His Food

As previously stated, a good healthy diet is the key here. There are a lot of different brands out there, and not all are made equal.

The biggest step in the right direction is to find a dog food that lists meat as the first ingredient. Dalmatians need meat and not corn.

If you can, I suggest you avoid all dog food that contains it, along with any animal byproducts. Try to avoid foods that are heavily based on corn or grains. Dog food without those things might cost more, but the difference in quality and nutrition between the two is huge – and your Dalmatian will feel it.

To learn more about the Dalmatian diet, check out the Dalmatian Diet Food And Treats.

Anti-Shedding Supplements for Dalmatians

dog supplements

There are a lot of products out there that promise to reduce or even stop shedding. The truth is that they usually are overpriced and don’t provide much over what a good healthy diet will. If you have to supplement, I suggest you stick to basics, which include:

  • One Egg once every other day – there seems to be some debate whether eggs help when it comes to maintaining a healthy fur coat, but I’ve seen them work. I also had other people tell me the same.
  • A teaspoon of Flaxseed oil/Olive oil – Both help brings out the shine. Just pour it over his dry kibble in the morning, and he will chow it down in no time.
  • Brewer’s Yeast – This one was recommended by my dog’s veterinarian as a supplement when he was a puppy. I sprinkle a teaspoon of the stuff on his food along with flaxseed oil. For us, it worked wonders.
  • Omega 3 Oil Supplements – This will help for more than just shedding. You can find supplements specifically for dogs in most pet stores.

Again, before you give your dog, any supplements talk to his vet. Too much of a good thing can turn into a problem for sure, especially when we’re talking about nutrition.

When to Call a Vet

vet clinic

What most people consider excessive shedding is usually pretty normal for Dalmatians. However, there are some real clear signs of when it’s more than just him getting rid of his extra fur. Schedule an appointment if you see any of the following with your Dalmatian:

  • He started shedding significantly more than usual
  • You notice any bald patches
  • He develops dull, dry hair that falls off when touched
  • He is constantly itching, scratching, or biting himself

Those could be symptoms of nutritional deficiency, parasites, fungus, or bacterial infections, and he will need to be examined.

Grooming  Advice

dalmatian lying in bed

Now I know that grooming won’t magically reduce the amount of hair your Dalmatian will drop, but it’s not him shedding his hair that’s causing an issue.

It’s the fact that his hair gets everywhere – clothes, furniture, carpets, etc. So although you can’t stop him from shedding, you can catch and trap all that unwanted hair before it has the chance to get everywhere.

Here are a few grooming tips to help you reduce the amount of hair your Dalmatian leaves behind:

  • Brush regularly – Honestly, I tell most people to brush their Dalmatians at least twice a week, but I should be telling them to do it daily. Do it outside and use a nice bristle brush since they are designed for dogs with shorter hair. Not only will brushing loosen all the dead hairs causing them to fall, but it will also help redistribute the natural oils in his coat, making the healthy fur stronger.
  • Bathe him once every 4 – 6 months – Bathing him will help wash away the dead hair that’s barely hanging on. Just make sure you only use pet-safe shampoos and don’t overdo it.
  • Vacuum his coat if he lets you – My Dalmatian has no problem with me vacuuming him whenever I clean our carpets, but I know some dogs don’t like it. If you already have the vacuum out and your dog is ok with it, why not pull out some of the furs off of him while you are at it.

Again, just like with the supplements, there are many products out there that promise to solve the shedding problem. I tried a few, and some were good, while others were a waste of money. A good bristle brush and an excellent shampoo are all you need. If you do wish to spend some extra cash, the FURminator could be worth trying.

Final Thoughts

dalmatian outdoors

Once you have dieted down and grooming taken care of, the next step is cleaning. The only way to win the war against fur is to get rid of it – or it will build up fast. Here are a few tips I’ve learned throughout the years:

  • Vacuum/sweep your floors at least every other day – I know, sounds like a lot of work, but trust me. Once you get into the habit of doing it, it won’t even take that long. This makes a huge difference.
  • Damp mops are great at picking up hair off hardwood floors – It’s amazing how effective just a little bit of water can be. Just be careful if you use any chemical cleaning solutions – they need to be pet safe.
  • Cover your furniture – It’s a lot easier to throw the covers into a washing machine than it is to clean all the furniture yourself.
  • Change your AC Filters More Often – Now that you have a Dalmatian, you can expect those filters to get clogged up fast.
  • Keep your Dalmatian off your Furniture – Not an option for everyone, but it could be a good idea if you are tired of sitting in fur all the time.
  • Invest in many Lint Rollers – Unless you want to walk around covered in dog fur, you will need a lot of them.

Do you have any tips or suggestions that I left off? Feel free to leave them in the comments below, and I will be sure to add them! Otherwise,

 

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