Section 2 of 2 - Prev - Next

   urolithiasis occurs because Dal urine contains uric acid, instead of
   urea or allantoin. Bladder and kidney stones (Infrequent) are formed
   from salts of the uric acid. Large stones can lodge in the urethra,
   and small stones, or "gravel", may pass with the urine. Complete
   blockage of the urinary tract by stones is fatal if not treated
   promptly.
   
   All Dalmatians are susceptible to urinary stones. Careful Dalmatian
   owners will seek out a diet which does not contain proteins high in
   purines. Organ meats, especially liver, and beef, are major sources of
   purines and should be avoided. Lamb, poultry, eggs and most vegetables
   are lower in purines.
   
   Adequate water should be provided at all times as well. Some Dal
   owners 'float' their dog's dry food in 2 or 3 cups of water to ensure
   adequate water intake. Dalmatians should also be given frequent
   opportunities to urinate in order to flush their urinary tracts of any
   crystals. Regular urine samples can be checked by your veterinarian
   for urate crystals. There is a lot of research being done in this
   area; it is not unreasonable to ask your vet if she/he will consult
   with either with Dr. Gerald Ling at University of California at Davis
   or with Dr. Carl Osborne of the Minnesota Urinary Stone Center at
   University of Minnesota veterinary school, both of whom specialize in
   urinary stone formation research.
   
  Skin allergies
  
   Many Dals suffer from skin allergies which add a pink or red rash or
   hives to the skin. Untended allergic reactions can lead to a brownish
   red tinge to the fur and skin, which may be an indication of a staph
   infection. These symptoms are generally referred to as "bronzing". If
   the dog shows signs of a staph infection, obtain treatment from an
   experienced veterinarian who will probably prescribe antibiotics.
   Repeated staph infections can be an indication of an autoimmune
   disorder and extremely painful.
   
   Food allergies can sometimes be controlled by the dog's diet. Low
   protein diets seem to help. Supplementation of the dog's diet with
   fatty acids may also help - products like Derm-caps, lipiderm and
   others. Switching from foods that contain, beef, soy meal, or corn
   meal to those using lamb, turkey, chicken, barley, rice, or other
   uncommon ingredients like venison can help if the allergic reaction is
   food based. Many food related allergies have cleared up when the diet
   has been changed.
   
   Allergies are made worse by the presence of fleas due to the dog's
   tendency to lick and bite at the affected area. Prevent fleas from
   infesting your Dal, as it's a lot easier than eliminating them. Do not
   use medicated shampoos or flea shampoos; these are too harsh and can
   lead to skin problems. Buy a bottle of pesticide-free flea mist and
   use it in the summer time. It also helps to protect your Dal from
   flies and mosquitoes. By using the spray, and a flea comb, you may
   prevent the fleas from coming home with your Dalmatian!
   
   A new flea control drug has recently been approved for use in the
   United States. PROGRAM is a tablet that is given to your dog once a
   month. It's active ingredient (lufenuron) prevents the young flea from
   being able to develop it's tooth, therefore preventing it from being
   able to hatch from the egg. It will not kill adult fleas, but will
   prevent your house and yard from becoming infested. It has been
   available in some countries for a number of years and has no reported
   side effects. It is recommended that your dog start taking the tablet
   before the start of flea season. Further information on fleas can be
   found in the Fleas/Tick FAQ.
   
  Hip Dysplasia
  
   Medium to large breeds of dogs are more susceptible to hip dysplasia.
   Therefore, reputable breeders breed only those individuals that are
   Certified with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. This entails
   having the dog's hips x-rayed after the age of two. The x-rays are
   then read by three OFA radiologists and graded with respect to proper
   formation of each hip joint.
     _________________________________________________________________
                                      
Questions for the Prospective Dalmatian Owner

   (Is the Dalmatian the breed for me ?)
    1. Am I able to keep the dog indoors ?
    2. Am I willing to spend at least one hour a day exercising the dog?
    3. Do I want a dog that is very dependent on me?
    4. Am I willing to spend the time necessary to train the dog ?
    5. Am I willing to spend time playing with the dog ?
    6. Am I willing to put up with the shedding ?
    7. Am I physically strong and active enough to control and train a
       lively dog of considerable strength and energy?
    8. Have all my household members recently spend time indoors with a
       Dalmatian to be certain no one has an allergic reaction to them?
       
     _________________________________________________________________
                                      
Questions to ask a breeder when selecting a Dalmatian

   (Is this the right breeder for me?)
    1. _Do you have evidence of the pups BAER tests ? Do you have the
       results? Will you provide me a copy of the puppy's test results?_
       _This is extremely important in ensuring that you do not receive a
       deaf puppy._
    2. _How many of the dogs in the pedigree are you actually familiar
       with in respect to temperament and genetic defects?_
    3. _What is the incidence of deafness, allergies, infections, thyroid
       dysfunction, seizures, stone formation, hip dysplasia, etc., in
       the pedigree?_ Genetic defects (such as Canine Hip Dysplasia, and
       those related to immune dysfunction, such as allergies, and
       hypothyroidism), are surfacing in alarming numbers. This problem
       is more evident now that reputable, serious breeders are openly
       sharing and comparing data. Therefore, feel free to seriously
       question the breeder about occurrences of these faults in the
       puppies' ancestry.
    4. _Were there any temperament problems in the ancestry of the
       puppies? Have the sire and the dam been temperament tested?_
    5. _How much time do you spend planning your litters and rearing the
       pups ?_
    6. _Are the sire and dam OFA Certified? BAER tested? Do you have
       certificates for me to see ?_ This is important because it tells
       you a lot about the dedication of the breeder to eliminate
       deafness and other genetic problems in the breed.
    7. _Do you offer a Health/Hearing/Temperament guarantee with your
       puppies?_
    8. _Are you knowledgeable about Dalmatians? Can you/will you answer
       my special medical, food & training questions? Will you tell me
       when you don't know an answer? Do you have access to resources
       when the questions stretch beyond your knowledge?_
    9. _Are you able and willing to answer my questions for the life of
       the dog?_
   10. _Do you require a spay/neuter agreement on pets?_ (This is good.)
   11. _Will you ask me lots of questions to determine if I am, in fact,
       the right kind of person for a Dal; that I have the facilities to
       keep it safe and the finances to properly feed & vet it? _This
       will help you find a puppy for me whose temperament matches my
       needs.
   12. _What are the most important things you are striving for in your
       breeding program?_ (Temperament should be first!)
   13. _Will you supply at least a 4 generation pedigree, the puppy's
       health record & instructions on how to properly take care of my
       new dog?_
   14. _Will you assist me if I cannot keep the dog?_ A good breeder can
       assure you of this as he/she knows that careful screening and
       education has made it unlikely that you will ever want to part
       with your new spotted friend.
       
     _________________________________________________________________
                                      
Appendices

  References
  
    1. Ditto, Tanya B. _Dalmatians_. New York: Barron's, 1991.
    2. Nicholas, Anna Katherine. _The Dalmatian_. Neptune City, NJ:
       T.F.H. publications, Inc., 1986.
    3. Treen, Alfred and Esmeralda. _The Dalmatian: Coach Dog, Firehouse
       Dog_. New York: Howell Book House, 1984.
    4. Treen, Alfred and Esmeralda. _The New Dalmatian: Coach Dog,
       Firehouse Dog_. New York: Howell Book House, 1993.
    5. Weiss, Carroll H., "Diets for Stone Forming Dals" _The Dalmatian
       Quarterly_, pp. 23-27, Summer 1994
    6. "A Primer on Urinary Stones for Dalmatian Breeders and Fanciers",
       compiled by Carroll H. Weiss in cooperation with the Minnesota
       Urolith Center (Carl A. Osborne, D.V.M., Ph.D., professor and
       chief) and California Urolith Center (Gerald V. Ling, D.V.M.,
       professor and chief), March 1992.
    7. Strain, George, Ph.D. "Aeitolology, Prevalence, And Diagnosis of
       Deafness in Dogs And Cats", _British Veterinary Journal_, 1995, In
       Press
    8. Strain, George M., personal communication, 17 March 1995. Dr.
       Strain may be reached at STRAIN@VT8200.VETMED.LSU.EDU.
    9. _The Official Book Of The Dalmatian_, Dalmatian Club Of America,
       T.F.H. Publications, Inc. 1997
   10. _Living With A Deaf Dog_, Susan Cope Becker, Direct Book Service
       (1-800-776-2665)
   11. _The Dalmatian_, Charlotte Wilcox, Capstone Press, 1997
   12. _The Dalmatian : An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet _Rod &
       Patti Strand, Howell Book House, 1995
       
  Other available references
  
    1. Eleanor Frankling, _The Dalmatian_, Popular Dogs Publishing Co.
       (London), 1987.
    2. Beverly Pisano, _Dalmatians_, T.F.H. Publications, 1990.
    3. Milo G. Denlinger, _The Complete Dalmatian_, Denlinger's, 1947.
    4. Franklin J. Willock, _The Dalmatian_, Ernest R. Gee Pubs, 1927.
       
   The last two are sometimes available on limited edition reprints.
   
  Online references
  
   The Internet is always changing, and there are lots of places to get
   good information. We provide a few links here to get you started; you
   will spend many hours "spotting" other Dalmatian related links:
     * Dalmatian Club Of America Home Page: http://www.dalmatians.com/dca
     * DOTTERS Links Page:
       http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/3340/link.html
     * Deaf Dog Home Page: http://www.kwic.net/~cairo/deaf.html
     * Dog FAQ Home Page: http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/
       
  Periodicals
  
    1. "The Dalmatian Quarterly", -- $40.00 per year 4401 Zephyr St.,
       Wheatridge, CO 800333-3299 USA
    2. "The Spotter", the official organ of the Dalmatian Club of America
       (available to DCA members only.)
    3. "Road Trial Ramblings" -- $8.00 per year Peggy Ann Strupp, Editor
       1224 Creek Road, Soda Springs, ID 83276 Telephone # 1-208/547-3077
    4. "Firehouse Quarterly" A new newsletter. $25.00 per year Post
       Office Box 11262, Cedar Rapids, IA 52410-1262 Telephone #
       1-800/700-8486
       
  Dalmatian Club of America
  
     Dalmatian Club of America
     Mrs. Irvin D. Fleming, Secretary
     4390 Chickasaw Rd.. Memphis, TN 38117
     
   Many areas have local Dalmatian Clubs where a good deal of information
   and assistance with Dals may be found. Most of these clubs publish
   newsletters with information of interest to almost all Dalmatian
   owners. The regional Dalmatian clubs are listed on the DCA home page.
     _________________________________________________________________
                                      
About the Authors

   This FAQ was a team project, written by Dalmatian owners: (Please feel
   free to send us e-mail at the addresses given if you have more
   questions)
   
   JAN CRANNY lives in South Florida with her two adopted Dals, Domino
   and Checkers. Both dogs get to enjoy plenty of long walks, and swim in
   the ocean. (jan_cranny@usa.racal.com)
   
   CORINNE JAMES and her husband Bruce Biederman live near Corvallis,
   Oregon with two Dalmatians: Kenai (Kenai Lime Pie, CDX) and Chamois
   (Dalstar's Daydream Chamois). Kenai & Chamois do lots of walking and
   running with their owners in the coast range mountains and also work
   in their spare time on AKC obedience (Kenai, & Chamois) and
   conformation (Chamois) and maybe someday tracking.
   (corinne@oce.orst.edu)
   
   CAROL RUSO is a librarian who lives in South Florida. She is owned by
   two Dalmatians, "Chili" (Spotlight's Chili Pepper) and "Buster"
   (Spotlight's New Addition). They enjoy romping in the park, playing
   Frisbee, and riding in the car on "mom's" lap (yeah, BOTH of them!).
   (mmouse@bc.seflin.org)
   
   SYLVIA STRAWBRIDGE from Jonesboro, Arkansas, shares her heart and her
   home with J. T. (4/20/90 and deaf) and Sophie Tucker (9/14/92 and very
   verbal). They enjoy long walks, playing chase in the backyard and
   going anywhere in the VW Beetle. (sstraw@aztec.astate.edu)
   
   ROBERT VON MAYR (Paradox Dalmatians) lives near Dallas, Texas with his
   wife Lynne and liver Dalmatians Rover (Paisley's J. Rover Brown),
   Sable (Ch. Aviator's Impromptu), Bingo (Mythago Marksman PX), Henri
   (Mythago Maserati PX) & Ch. Paradox Pop Quiz. The black spotted
   members of the family are: Ch. Paradox Country Style, Paradox Back In
   Black, TCJ Paradox So Divine, and Ch. Paradox Ropin' The Wind. Robert
   & Lynne are active in conformation and obedience careers are planned.
   Tracking is something Robert is interested in at some point, but the
   dogs aren't sure! (R-Vonmayr@ti.com) or (PXdals@ix.netcom.com)
   
   MARIA ZORKA founded Bell Ringer Dalmatians in 1969. She and her
   husband Art, live in Decatur, a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. USA. Maria
   has bred many Dalmatian champions, including an All-Breed Multi Best
   in Show winner. She has also bred top ranking Obedience winners and a
   DCA High in Road Trial RDX Champion. She co-founded the Dalmatian Club
   of Greater Atlanta and was a principal author of its Code of Ethics,
   which was later adopted by the Dalmatian Club of Canada. She was the
   editor/publisher of the 1980 Dalmatian Club of America's Commemorative
   Keepsake. Maria also co-founded the Georgia Coalition of Dog Clubs.
   (brd@mindspring.com)
   
   Special Thanks to Art Zorka for his many hours assisting with
   editorial tasks and computer/on-line skills.
   
  Thanks to others for additional comments and helpful suggestions
  
     * Valerie Whitmore & Chili in Minneapolis, MN
       (fineb001@maroon.tc.umn.edu)
     * Jeri Jennings, Northstar Dalmatians, Alemeda, CA
       (jennings@vcnet.com)
     * Janice Maguire & Chips in Missouri (jemaguire@aol.com)
     * Wendy Sol & Clown & Tinker in Los Alamos, NM (wes@vega.lanl.gov)
       
     _________________________________________________________________
                                      
   
    Dalmatian FAQ
    Robert von Mayr, r-vonmayr@ti.com

Section 2 of 2 - Prev - Next

© allanswers.org | Terms of use