Some of the most stunning and fun looking dogs, Dalmatians are a very lovable breed all over the world. Made immensely popular by their Disney portrayal, the random black markings on pure white fur makes this dog instantly recognisable. However, one of the most common questions from potential pet owners about this breed is, – Do Dalmatians shed?
There’s an assumption that dalmatians don’t shed too much because of their short fur. So, when they inevitably do, and a lot, it comes as quite a shock for the new owners!
Unfortunately, dalmatians are the one breed that rescue centers see so many of because of their excessive shedding. Unfortunately, when the shedding does start, many owners can’t manage it properly.
For this reason, let’s take a thorough look at dalmatian shedding and the best ways to cope with it.
Do Dalmatians Shed?
The answer is – yes, dalmatians do shed. Though they boast an easy to brush coat, dalmatians are considered a heavy-shedding breed. Speak to any dalmatian owner, and they likely tell you these dogs shed an awful lot!
In fact, many owners of this breed will jokingly claim that the dalmatian sheds only once a year – but that’s for 365 days in total! Others amusingly tell of their dalmatian shedding twice a year – six months in the spring and six months in the fall!
Thus, the Dalmatian is a dog that undeniably sheds continuously. Therefore, potential owners are always advised to consider the vast amount of coarse white hairs in the house.
It means fur that will stick to and cover most of their clothes and furniture when bringing one of these canines into the home!
How Much Do Dalmatians Shed?
Though it’s impossible to consider the exact amount the dalmatian sheds, there are many running jokes in the dalmatian community about their excessive shedding.
Dalmatian owners will have you believe that this canine sheds twice a day – that is both during the day and during the night. In other words – it’s vast!
Perhaps it’s more noticeable though because of the type of dalmatian hair. Rather than fine hairs, their fur is stiff; therefore, it’s not the easiest to remove.
Minimising Your Dalmatian Shedding
Though dalmatian is the breed that sheds a lot, there are many ways how owners of dalmatians can minimize excessive shedding.
As with all dogs shedding, the key to reducing shedding is a good brushing session. Though some people will suggest a weekly brush is adequate, a daily brush is much more effective in this case.
It is especially so if the idea of having a home covered continually in dalmatian fur isn’t that appealing!
By brushing your dalmatian fur daily, better still a couple of times throughout the day, you can work to reduce the aftermath.
A good brush performed regularly works to remove the dead hairs before it has the chance to land in the home. For many owners, this is perhaps the best way to find a result to reduce such shedding visible in the living environment.
Causes of Abnormal Dalmatian Shedding
Unfortunately, shedding, and a lot of it, is a dalmatian trait that most owners simply have to contend with. However, there may be a situation sometimes, whereby even their shedding is excessive.
If this is the case and you notice a change from the reasonable amount of fur shed by your dog, there could be a couple of other reasons for this change.
Some of these issues could be due to an inadequate grooming routine, an imbalanced diet, or even a hormonal imbalance. However, there are solutions to such problems.
Let’s take a look at all three in a little more detail.
My dalmatian sheds a lot: Grooming Routine
An inadequate grooming routine may significantly affect the amount of shedding seen in your dalmatian.
As with almost any dog type, the less care and attention are given to their coat – the more prone they are to excessive shedding.
For the Dalmatian breed itself, their grooming routine is of the utmost importance from day one.
The grooming practice starts with selecting the most effective brush. Most owners will have a selection of brush types for use on the Dalmatian.
These include an everyday brush, which is usually a bristle type. It works as a smooth daily brush that will prevent mats from forming.
Dog grooming gloves are also fantastic and can be used daily. These are the gentlest of options that not only remove loose hair but keep the coat looking shiny and healthy. These glove type brushes are also excellent at encouraging bonding time between owner and dog.
A slicker brush is also popular for his breed and a great brush to have on hand. It will also prevent mats but works harder at removing loose hair. A sleeker brush is suitable for using once a week.
As well as a brush, a good bath is also vital in keeping a dalmatian shedding to a minimum. Though dalmatians shouldn’t be over bathed, experts will suggest when they do have the occasional bath, it works to both clean and nourish their coat and skin.
My dalmatian sheds a lot: Imbalanced Diet
An imbalanced diet could also be the sign of excessive shedding seen in your dalmatian.
It is a common situation with those owners who revert to the cheaper dog food. However, though it may be lighter on the pocket, such a diet rarely offers the crucial nutrients such as essential vitamins and minerals needed by your dalmatian.
Thus, over time, this imbalanced diet will show itself in the form of a poor coat, with excessive shedding often one of the first signs.
Fortunately, this, too, can be easily remedied. It merely involves implementing a diet that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals and one that is highly recommended by veterinarians and canine dietary exerts.
By providing a correctly balanced diet, a dalmatians shedding should become less problematic. Yet, it will also work to ensure your dalmatian is as healthy as possible in every other way.
My dalmatian sheds a lot: Hormonal Imbalance
Though not as common, some dalmatians can experience hormonal problems. It means an imbalance that brings to the surface hair and skin issues. Obvious complaints here include alopecia and dermatosis.
Though seen more often in those older of dalmatians, such hormonal imbalances can also rear their heads when your dog has been neutered or even after giving birth.
If such issues are present in your dalmatian, a trip to your veterinarian is in order. Here they will be able to isolate and identify the cause and advise on a course of treatment to regain the balance.
Though less common, there may be other explanations for your dalmatian’s excessive shedding, including:
Infections and infestations
Some dalmatians may begin to shed more than usual if an infection or infestation is present.
Most common, not just in dalmatians but all dogs, is a flea infestation. It shows itself mainly through hair loss visible around the dalmatian’s neck and tail.
Medications
If your dalmatian is placed on medication for any reason, prolonged use can often cause the onset of hair loss. If this is the case, excessive shedding should stop once the medicine is no longer used.
High-stress levels & excessive dalmatian shedding
Finally, as with humans, dalmatians too can suffer excessive hair loss if they are especially stressed. It can be remedied by reconsidering their immediate environment and looking towards the trigger of such stress.
Do Dalmatians Shed: Supplements
Some dalmatian owners like to supplement their dog’s diet with a good omega choice. Thus, used alongside a proper healthy diet, it will help to keep shedding to a reasonable level.
Such omega supplements also work to make a dalmatians coat look visibly healthy and attractive from the outside.
Vitamin B is another right choice as it fully complements a dalmatian’s current diet. This vitamin works hard to fight persistent dryness in the hair, skin, and coat of your dog.
Also, some owners like to make Vitamin A an essential supplement for their dalmatian. It is fantastic as it not only works hard to fight off dry and scaly skin. Vitamin A is overall a great vitamin that works hard to keep a whole dalmatians health in tip-top condition.
Tips for Cleaning up after my Dalmatian Shedding
When it comes to keeping your home environment clean as the owner of a dalmatian, there are many tasks you can attempt.
Regular vacuuming is a must, but so too is a damp rubber glove useful for using in those affected areas.
Many owners will keep a cleaning brush for those laminated and tiled floors, using a wet mop to finish the job off.
Finally, the more you can brush your dalmatian’s hair outside, the less you’ll have to pick up from inside each day!
Conclusion
Ultimately, a dalmatian is well known throughout the industry for its shedding. Therefore, it’s a good idea to be clear of the work involved before taking on this breed.
However, we firmly believe that such increased shedding doesn’t have to become overly problematic. By implementing a good daily grooming routine and keeping your dalmatian in peak condition overall, you should be able to keep the shedding in check.