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Do Dalmatians shed a lot
How bad is Dalmatian shedding? Don’t be fooled in to thinking because the fur is short they don’t shed much. Dalmatians are a heavy shedding dog that shed profusely.
Shedding is a natural process that takes place so that the dead hair is removed, and new hair can grow. As a Dalmatian owner, you can expect to find dog fur everywhere. Being both black and white, no matter what color the fabric or surface is, you will see some hair.
How often do Dalmatians Shed
Dalmatian shedding is constant. This shedding process gets worst in the Spring and Fall (Autumn) but they do still shed at all times – 365 days a year. As the temperature drops they start to grow thicker and denser hair to keep themselves warm.
Why do Dalmatians shed so much
The reason for the excessive amount of fur a Dalmatian shed is due to the short lifespan of the hair shaft. They are constantly replacing their coat with a new softer coat.
Long haired Dalmatian shedding
Long haired Dalmatians are less common than the standard smooth coat. They are the result of a recessive gene and are not recognized by the AKC. However, they are a beautiful looking dog and becoming more popular.
Long haired Dalmatians shed about the same or a little less than a smooth coat. However, the fur is obviously longer and less sharp and doesn’t stick or embed itself so badly into fabrics.
Abnormal shedding in Dalmatians
If you notice your Dalmatian is shedding excessively or more than normal, it may indicate an underlying issue. Especially if the heavy shed results in bald spots or irritated looking skin.
Possible causes of excessive shedding may include pregnancy or lactation, parasites such as flea or mites, allergies, or a hormonal imbalance. If your Dalmatians coat is looking patchy or they are scratching a lot, consult your vet.
Best shedding brush for Dalmatian
There is quite a range of different deshedding brushes available. This can be confusing. These are our recommendations for the best deshedding brush for a Dalmatian.
Shedding Blade
The shedding blade is my personal favorite for doing a quick regular de-shedding of a Dalmatian. It can be held in one-handed or the handle splits in two so you can use two-handed. Also great for dragging excess water off your dog after the bath.
It is best not to overdo it. Six to eight strokes in one area are sufficient. Overuse in the same area can irritate your dog’s skin and even cause brush burn. By using a tool like this daily or a few times a week for five or ten minutes will go a long way to reducing how much fur your Dalmatian drops around the home.
View Shedding Blades here on Amazon
The Zoom Groom
The Zoom Groom removes loose hair like a magnet, and it stimulates capillaries and natural oil production for healthy skin and a healthy coat. It is like giving your dog a massage at the same time.
Can be also used in the bath on a wet coat. There are imitations of The Zoom Groom available but I have found that they don’t work as well as the Zoom Groom is made of a special type of rubber that attracts the loose fur well.
View the Zoom Groom on Amazon
Furminator Curry Comb
The FURminator Curry Comb with it’s ergonomic handle sits nicely and is comfortable in your hand. The short rubber teeth work well to remove fur without feeling hash on your Dalmatian skin.
View the FURminator Curry Comb on Amazon.
Mars Coat King
The Mars Coat King is my number one pick for removing undercoat and dead coat from your Dalmatian. Works really well even on very thick and bulky areas. It leaves a nice shine and finish on the coat as well.
View Mars Coat King undercoat Rake on Amazon
How do I stop my Dalmatian shedding
You will never be able to completely stop a Dalmatian or any double-coated dog shedding. However, the amount of coat that they leave around the home or on your clothes can be reduced. These are some tips to help reduce the amount of coat your Dalmatian dog sheds.
Regularly brush your Dalmatian
The main thing you can do to reduce shedding is regularly brushing your dog. Brushing helps to remove excess and loose fur. It also redistributes your dog’s skin oil into the fur helping it to stay in place.
Ideally, you should brush your Dalmatian daily to minimize how much fur they leave around the home. Even 10 minutes a day will achieve more than trying to do a big session less often.
Regular bathing of your Dalmatian
Regularly bathing will also help to loosen dead undercoat. Refer to How to bathe a dog for more information on how to bath. I recommend using a soap-free shampoo or a shedding reduction shampoo as you don’t want to dry out your dog’s skin and strip out the natural oils in your dog’s coat.
A lot of the fur will come out in the bath instead of on your furniture. Towel dry your dog with firm but gentle rubbing which will also help remove dead fur. Finally, blow-dry your dog using a low heat setting.
You can give your dog a good brush once dry and you will find it is easier to brush a clean coat than a dirty one. If you don’t have the time, energy or facilities to bathe and brush your dog regularly use a grooming service.
Also, keep up to date with flea treatment for your dog as constant scratching will also make coat come out.
Best shedding reduction shampoo
FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo
It contains Omega 3 and six fatty acids, papaya Leafs, and calendula extracts work to reduce shedding of your dog’s fur and maintain the health of its skin.
The shampoo is also compatible with the FURminator conditioner to achieve the best results. You can get the FURminator shampoo and conditioner as a package deal here at Amazon.
How often should you bathe a Dalmatian
How often your Dalmatian should need bathing will depend on how dirty and smelly they get. Ideally you should not bathe your Dalmatian more than once every four to eight weeks.
Over bathing will actually dry out their skin and reduce their coat health. This will actually cause your Dalmatian to shed more.
Provide your Dalmatian a high-quality diet
The third thing you can do is to ensure your dog’s coat remains healthy and they shed less is through a high-quality diet. These may cost a little more in the short-term but will improve your dog’s overall health and save on vet bills in the long-term.
Deficiencies in essential fatty acids are thought to cause excessive shedding. Protein deficiency makes dogs shed more than normal. this is rare as most dog foods contain sufficient protein levels. The exceptions are pregnant or lactating dogs whose protein needs are high. Puppies also require a high protein diet because they are growing fast.
Dogs with food allergies or sensitivities are particularly prone to diet-related shedding. You may need to experiment with a few different foods before you find one that’s right for your dog.
In addition, you can add Salmon oil, olive oil or flaxseed oil to your dog’s food. One teaspoon (5 mL) per 10 pounds (4.5 kg) of body weight is a good place to start. These oils contain omega-3 fatty acids that help calm inflamed skin, decrease dandruff, and improve overall coat texture.
You can also increase your dog’s omega-3 fatty acid intake by feeding it salmon, tuna, or other fish rich in these fatty acids. Finally, remember to ensure your dog has access to fresh water at all times.
Dehydration can lead to dry skin, which can cause excessive shedding and even illness. Make sure your dog always has access to as much clean, fresh water as it wants.
Cleaning tips for Dalmatian shedding
There are two aspects to dealing with Dalmatian shedding. Dealing with the fur still on your Dalmatian and cleaning up the fur everywhere else in the home and your car.
A good quality vacuum is essential for picking up the Dalmatian fur on your carpets and furniture. Seat covers for your furniture and car seats are also a good idea. You will probably need a lint roller for your clothes.
Some more helpful cleaning tips are:-
- Vacuum, vacuum, and vacuum some more.
- Remove the hair as soon as possible. This is especially important with textured fabrics so that the hair doesn’t get embedded.
- Use a damp sponge or wear a rubber glove to quickly remove hair from upholstery.
- Squeegees work well for getting fur off the carpet.
- Wet mopping works well for getting up fur off solid floors.
- Pumice stones or Furr Zoff work great for couches and car upholstery.
- Use washable dog towels or blankets over the dog’s bed for easy, frequent washing.
Do Dalmatians shed more than Labs
Labradors are another shorter coated breed that is notorious for being a heavy shedder. The Labrador coat is a little longer and thicker than the smooth coat Dalmatian. Overall, Labradors do shed more than Dalmatians.
If your Dalmatians shedding is an issue for you, be grateful your don’t have a Labrador.
Summary – Dalmatian shedding
If your own a Dalmatian, you know all about shedding and dog fur everywhere. Despite being a short hair breed, the Dalmatian is a very heavy and constant shedder. This shedding process gets worst in the Spring and Fall (Autumn) but they do still shed at all times
You will never be able to completely stop a Dalmatian shedding. However, the amount of coat that they leave around the home or on your clothes can be reduced. This requires regular brushing, bathing, and a quality diet. It also requires lots of vacuuming and cleaning.
If you have a Dalmatian, let us know in the comments any tips you have to reduce Dalmatian fur everywhere.