Understanding Your Dalmatian Puppy's Health Needs

Bringing a Dalmatian puppy into your home is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with the responsibility of ensuring their health and well-being. Here's a guide to understanding your Dalmatian puppy's health needs, from their first vet visit to common health concerns specific to this unique breed.

First Vet Visit

Your Dalmatian puppy’s first vet visit is a crucial step in setting the foundation for a healthy life. It is in our contract that you take your puppy to the vet within 3 days of receiving them.

Here’s what to expect and prepare for:

• Comprehensive Examination: The vet will perform a thorough physical examination to check your puppy's overall health, including their eyes, ears, teeth, skin, and coat.

• Discussion of Medical History: Bring the records I provided you. The vet will review your puppy's medical history and discuss their diet, exercise, and general care.

• Parasite Prevention: Your vet will check for any signs of parasites and discuss a prevention plan for fleas, ticks, and worms.

• Microchipping: In your folder you also have your puppies microchip number. Provide that to the vet as well.

• This is a great time to discuss what type of food you will feed your new puppy. I recommend Purina One but based on your puppies needs the vet may have other recommendations.

  
  

  

  
  

Vaccination Schedule

Vaccinations are essential to protect your Dalmatian puppy from various infectious diseases. Here’s a general vaccination schedule to follow, but always consult your vet for a personalized plan:

• 6-8 Weeks: Distemper, Parvovirus (DHPP), Bordetella

• 10-12 Weeks: DHPP booster, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza

• 14-16 Weeks: DHPP booster, Rabies

• 12-16 Months: DHPP, Rabies booster

Annual booster shots will be required to maintain immunity. Discuss any additional vaccines, like Lyme disease, with your vet based on your location and lifestyle.

Flea and Tick Prevention

Fleas and ticks can cause a variety of health problems for your Dalmatian puppy. Make sure to consult your Veterinarian but here's some things I do to prevent them:

• Topical Treatments: Apply monthly topical treatments that kill fleas and ticks. I recommend Vectra 3D.

  

  
  

• Environmental Control: Keep your home and yard free of flea and tick infestations by regularly cleaning and using appropriate yard treatments. I hire a local Pest Control Service to treat for ticks yearly. If you have a heavily wooded area or a lot of trees, I would recommend hiring a pro who can spray the entire area.

  
  

Worm Prevention

• I recommend using prescription Interceptor Plus for worm prevention as it prevents heartworm disease and treats and controls adult roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and tapeworm infections.

  
  

  

Common Health Concerns

Dalmatians have some unique health concerns that you should be aware of to ensure their well-being:

• Deafness: Dalmatians are prone to congenital deafness. Your puppy has been BAER tested. Be prepared to provide special care if your puppy is deaf or partially deaf. A copy of their test is in your folder. If your puppy is deaf in one or both ears they can still live a long and happy life.

• Urate Stones: Due to their unique metabolism, Dalmatians are prone to forming urate stones. Feeding a low-purine diet and ensuring they drink plenty of water are essential preventive measures. Some Dalmatians are High in Uric Acid (HUA) and some are Low in Uric Acid (LUA). The puppies I breed are HUA.

• Skin Allergies: Dalmatians can be susceptible to skin allergies. Dalmatians are prone to atopic dermatitis, a skin allergy that causes itchiness, especially on the feet, belly, ears, and folds of the skin. Monitor for signs of itching, redness, or rashes, and consult your vet for appropriate treatments. I like to supplement Fish Oil pills to help keep their skin and hair in good condition.

• Hip Dysplasia: This genetic condition can affect Dalmatians. Regular vet check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, and providing appropriate exercise can help manage this condition. I request that all of my puppies have a OFA Hip evaluation. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) requires that a dog be at least 24 months old to receive an official hip certification. However, preliminary evaluations can be performed on dogs that are between 4 and 24 months old.

• Tear stains: I like to use NaturVet tear stain supplements to control this common issue in my grown Dalmatians.

  
  

  

  
  

Final Tips

• Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular vet visits to monitor your puppy’s growth and health.

• Balanced Diet: Provide a balanced diet tailored to your Dalmatian’s specific needs.

• Hydration: Ensure your puppy has access to fresh water at all times to prevent dehydration and support urinary health.

• Exercise: Dalmatians are active dogs and need regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental health.

By understanding and addressing your Dalmatian puppy’s health needs, you’re setting them up for a long, happy, and healthy life. Enjoy every moment with your spotted companion! 🐾💖