5 Common Dalmatian Health Concerns
With their families, these spotted sweethearts are loyal and loving family companions.
These dignified dogs are highly active and need a good amount of exercise on a daily basis to keep their tails wagging. If you’re looking for a running or hiking buddy, these pups are a perfect fit. Dalmatians are naturally intelligent and need plenty of guidance early on to ensure that they don’t use their wit to get into hound hijinks.
That being said, with the right home, these make amazing, unique family pets. Before bringing home one of these best buddies, it’s important to understand the breed’s health history. We’ll share 5 of the most common Dalmatian health concerns below.
Dental Disease
Dental disease is common amongst many dogs, including Dalmatians. This can be caused by tartar buildup due to lack of hygiene or a fractured tooth for instance. Tartar is somewhat preventable which speaks to the importance of brushing your dog’s teeth on a daily basis. You’ll also want to stay up to date on your Dalmatian’s dental cleanings to reduce his risk.
Obesity
As an active dog, it’s especially important to make sure that your Dalmatian is able to get the exercise he needs to keep his tail wagging. It can help prevent obesity, a disease commonly experienced by the breed. This accumulation of excess fat can increase your dog’s risk of developing diabetes, and puts unnecessary pressure on his bone structure. Work with your veterinarian to develop a diet and exercise plan that supports your dog’s needs properly.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease in which a dog’s eyes are unable to properly drain aqueous fluid. This can be incredibly irritating for your pooch and lead to pain, discharge, lethargy, and even blindness in some cases. In most cases, this condition can be treated with medication and surgical intervention depending on the severity of the disease. Your veterinarian will also rule out any underlying conditions that may be contributing to this issue.
Keep in mind that there are different types of Glaucoma including chronic and acute Glaucoma. Acute Glaucoma can occur on a moment’s notice and needs to be addressed immediately to prevent irreversible damage.
Copper Hepatopathy
Copper hepatopathy also known as liver disease in dogs is caused by an abnormal accumulation of copper in a dog’s liver. This leads to progressive damage of the liver, which can cause chronic or acute damage. Affected dogs may experience lethargy, vomiting, discoloration of the skin, and chronic weight loss. This condition is typically hereditary.
Forms of treatment include lifestyle and diet adjustments along with pain medication and supplements. Be sure to ask your breeder about your puppy’s family health history with this condition.
Atopy
Atopy or skin-related allergies can occur in any dog, though certain breeds like Dalmatians may be more prone to developing this condition. Unfortunately, allergies are difficult to properly diagnose, so your pooch will likely undergo several rounds of testing in order to determine the exact cause of his symptoms.
You may notice your dog sneezing, itching, or experiencing lethargy. Luckily, most cases of atopy can be managed with lifestyle modification or with medication to help manage the associated symptoms.
Though Dalmatians are generally healthy dogs, it’s important to have a firm understanding of the breed’s health history. This way, you’ll be fully prepared to bring one of these special pups into your family. Enjoy life with these spotted sweeties!
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