How to Care for a Dalmatian - Grooming Your Dalmatian

1. Brush your Dalmatian every week. With black spots on a white coat, Dalmatians have a distinctive look that’s easy to love. Do not be too smitten by your Dalmatian’s good looks, though. Your Dalmatian will shed—a lot. In fact, Dalmatians shed year-round. To manage the shedding, brush your Dalmatian once a week.[36]
- There are a few different grooming tools you can use. Curry combs and slicker brushes work well at removing dead hair.[37] A medium-soft rubber curry brush is another good grooming tool.[38] Grooming gloves are also available.[39]
- Brushing your Dalmatian’s coat is a good way to bond with him.[40]

2. Perform other grooming activities. In addition to brushing your Dalmatian, you will also need to trim his nails, brush his teeth, and clean his ears. Dalmatian nails to tend be very strong, so you may need to use a little extra force to trim his nails without splitting them.[41]
- Guillotine-style nail clippers are good for trimming dog nails.
- Trim your Dalmatian’s nails once or twice a month. Take him to your veterinarian or groomer if you are unable to trim the nails on your own.
- Brush his teeth with dog-specific toothpaste 2 to 3 times/week.[42] It is best to start brushing his teeth when he is a puppy so he can become comfortable with the process.
- If your Dalmatian’s ears are smelly, or have a buildup of wax or debris, it is time to clean them. Using an ear cleaning solution recommended by your veterinarian, put some drops of the solution into his ear, hold his ear closed, and massage his ear. Next, let your dog shake his head and use a piece of clean tissue to wipe his ear.[43]

3. Bathe your Dalmatian. Fortunately, you will not have to bathe your Dalmatian nearly as often as you brush him. Dalmatians are very clean dogs and have very little ‘doggy’ odor. Three to four baths a year should be sufficient for your Dalmatian.[44]
- Since Dalmatians can develop skin allergies, bathe your Dalmatian with a dog-specific shampoo for sensitive skin.[45]
- A conditioner is not necessary, but can be helpful if your Dalmatian has dry skin.[46]
- Your Dalmatian could develop a skin reaction with a new shampoo.[47] Be cautious when switching shampoos.