Why does my Dalmatian scratch so much?
In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. We call this skin allergy “atopy”, and Dalmatians often have it. The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year.
Do Dalmatians have joint problems?
Joint Disease When Dalmatian puppies are allowed to grow too quickly, the cartilage in their joints may not attach to the bone properly. This problem is known as osteochondritis dissecans or OCD. If this occurs, surgery may be required to fix the problem.
Are Dalmatians prone to health problems?
Like other breeds, Dalmatians display a propensity towards certain health problems specific to their breed, such as deafness, allergies, and urinary stones. Autoimmune thyroiditis may be a relatively common condition for the breed, affecting 11.6% of dogs.
Are Dalmatians good family dogs?
Dalmatians are highly energetic, playful and sensitive dogs. They are loyal to their family and good with children, although some Dalmatian experts caution that the breed may be too energetic for very small children. These dogs are intelligent, can be well trained and make good watchdogs.
How old do Dalmatians usually live to be?
If well cared for a Dalmatian can live between 11 and 13 years of age. The major health issue with the breed is the well known genetic predisposition to deafness – in fact estimates are that around 30% of Dalmatians have some sort of hearing impediment.
What causes a Dalmatian to be lame all the time?
It’s a very painful condition that causes dogs to be constantly lame. The breed is also known to suffer from certain skin issues and allergies which studies have shown are generally caused or triggered by environmental and dietary changes.
Why does my 10 year old foot hurt?
This is the most common cause of foot pain in patients aged 10 to 12. Children who experience rapid growth or begin a new activity like soccer or running are at risk for this condition. Apophysitis is often self-limiting, meaning it can resolve on its own.
What kind of hearing issue does a Dalmatian have?
Dalmatians are known to have a genetic predisposition to suffering from deafness with a high percentage of the breed having some degree of hearing issue. Today a test called the BAER – Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response can be carried out on affected dogs as a way of assessing their hearing.