• Baths
• Brushing
• Nail Clipping
• Fleas
• Collars

Baths

A Dalmatian that is properly fed and exercised has a coat like silk to which no burrs, dry dirt or dust will cling. Because of the natural oil in their coats, dirt tends to fall off once dried. For their skin and coats you can add 200 units of vitamin E or 1 tsp. of Cod Liver oil to their food each day. They tend to lick themselves cleaner than cats. If you have more than one, they will clean each other in the hard to reach areas such as the head and ears. If they do get into grease or something smelly like a dead fish, and it is absolutely necessary to bathe them, you should use a baby shampoo or soap to avoid a possible allergic reaction. If you place a bath towel near your back door and train your dog to sit or stand on it when he comes in, you will get very little dirt in the house. When a Dalmatian gets sprayed by a skunk, you must pat tomato juice into the coat and let it stand for a few minutes before rinsing. Sometimes it’s necessary to repeat this, then use a baby shampoo.

Brushing

You can use a brush for short hair, grooming mitt, or a molded rubber "brush" called a Zoom Groom, to remove dead hair. If your dog is placid and unafraid of the vacuum, you can also try using this to suck up loose hair.

Nail Clipping

If your Dalmatian runs on rocks or pavement, he will file his nails down naturally. Otherwise, clip them yourself or have the vet do it. Do not get too close to the "quick" (pink region within the nail) or it may bleed. If this happens, apply peroxide-soaked tissues or cotton to the nail until bleeding stops. No infection should develop, but watch it carefully until healed. Emery boards are used more than clippers at Blueroof.

Fleas

Do not use flea collars, shampoos or sprays unless absolutely necessary because Dalmatians are sensitive to chemicals (one reason why they are used by cosmetic companies for laboratory testing). Instead, rub the coat with fresh cedar branches or cedar oil (which you can purchase or make yourself) and feed them garlic (fresh or in cookies). A home that is well vacuumed 3 times a week will not have fleas. For a more natural approach to flea control, consider lining the dogs bed with fresh cedar boughs during flea season.

Collars

Replace their collars when they get worn or small. Remove whenever possible, especially if they run in forests or on fenced farms. A collar should have a rabies tag and an identification tag.

© 2002-2008 Blueroof Farm
Dalmatian Information and Rescue
Updated: 1 Apr 2002
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