Dalmatians are large and very popular dogs known for their unique coat color (white and dark spots).

Their popularity can also be affiliated to the popular movie 101 Dalmatians where a lot of people get to know about these intelligent and loyal dogs.

Are you considering adding a Dalmatian to your family and you are wondering “Do Dalmatians shed a lot?”

The answer to the question above is YES! Dalmatians are heavy shedders and they shed their short and dense coats throughout the year.

However, managing shedding in Dalmatians is very easy compared to other heavy shedders. All you need is proper grooming and you can keep your house and furniture free from hairs.

In this article, we have revealed what you should expect from Dalmatian coats and also how you can effectively maintain the coats of these beautiful spotted dogs.

Without further ado, let’s dive in!

Do Dalmatians Shed a Lot?

Yes! Dalmatians are heavy shedders. We know what you have in mind initially is that Dals have short coats, so they should shed minimally compared to dogs with long and double coats. While this is true, it is not the same for Dalmatians.

However, unlike dogs with wooly coats such as Alaskan Malamute, shedding in Dals is not easily noticeable due to their short fur that can easily needle itself into fabric and carpets.

What Causes Excess Shedding in Dalmatians

Dalmatians shed throughout the year. Hence, they are referred to as Heavy Shedders, but this doesn’t mean they can shed to a point that they develop a noticeably thinner coat or bald spots.

If you notice that your Dalmatian is shedding abnormally, it may be due to poor nutrition, parasites, allergies, stress, or even an underlying health issue.

Let us discuss these factors in more detail.

1. Poor Nutrition

Diet plays an important role in the overall health of dogs. If you are feeding your Dalmatian with cheaper food that lacks crucial nutritional values, your dog will likely shed excessively.

Fortunately, this can be easily remedied. All you need to do is start feeding your Dal with foods loaded with essential nutrients and minerals.

You may make inquiries from your vet so he can recommend some food that suits your dog’s dietary needs.

By providing healthy and nutritious food for your Dal, his hair growth cycle and skin condition will be improved, and this will result in minimal shedding.

2. Parasites

Another thing that can cause your Dal to lose hair excessively is parasites. External parasites such as ticks, fleas, mites, and lice can cause hair loss in a particular spot-on dog’s body.

Below are some of the signs of hair loss caused by parasites in dogs:

• Formation of scabs, open sores, or crusts on the skin.
• Redness and Inflammation of the skin at the affected site.
• Excessive scratching, biting, or licking of the affected areas
• Thinning of coat, making your dog’s fur look dull.
• Restlessness, agitation, or changes in behavior due to discomfort

Fortunately for your dog, you can easily control this by treating your dog’s coat with parasite-repellent products. You may also consult with your vet for proper treatment.

3. Stress

Another factor that can cause premature or excessive hair shedding in Dalmatians is stress.

When your Dal is stressed, it can trigger excessive grooming, weaken the immune system, and induce behavioral changes that affect coat maintenance.

Environmental changes or trying to acclimate a Dal to a new environment can also exacerbate shedding.

To minimize shedding related to stress, provide a stable and comfortable environment for your dog. Ensure the environment is free from any stressor such as alarm, or speaker that can trigger anxiety or stress.

You should also seek professional guidance from vets and dog behaviorists if needed.

4. Allergies

Allergy is another factor that can contribute to shedding in Dals. It may be food allergies, contact allergies, or inhalant allergies.

If you notice the following signs while your dog is shedding excessively. The prime suspect should be allergies.

• Runny nose
• Itchiness
• Sneezing
• Skin Rashes
• Vomiting or other gastrointestinal problems.

5. Underlying Health Issue – Bacterial or Fungal Infection

Excessive hair loss in Dalmatians can occasionally be attributed to bacterial or fungal infections.

This occurrence is very uncommon because these microorganisms thrive in moist environments and on Dalmatians, there are no hidden spots or wrinkles where water can easily be trapped.

Nonetheless, it’s still wise to take precautions. Ensure your Dalmatian’s coat is thoroughly dried after baths or swimming in pools or lakes.

You should also inspect and dry their floppy ears routinely to prevent potential ear infections.

When Do Dalmatians Shed?

According to the Dalmatians Club of Victoria, Australia. Dalmatians do not have a particular period when they blow off their coat. They shed year-round.

However, you may notice a slight increase in shedding during spring and fall although it won’t be a big difference.

Dogs like Labradors and Huskies shed their coat throughout the year, but it increases during spring and fall to the extent that they will blow out about half of their hairs. This is not the same for Dalmatians. These beautiful spotted dogs will keep on shedding throughout the year with no increase in respect to seasons.

How To Reduce Excess Shedding in Dalmatians

Shedding is natural in dogs and almost all dogs shed. That being said, it is not possible to stop it.

On the other hand, it is very possible to manage and reduce the rate at which your Dalmatian sheds. By doing everything stated below, you can reduce the quantity of dog fur falling on your furniture, carpets, floors and anywhere your dog wanders.

Groom Your Dog Regularly

When it comes to reducing shedding in Dalmatians, regularly grooming your dog can go a long way.

Brush your days at least three to four times a week. It is not compulsory you hit this target in a week, plus there is no risk of matting because their coat is very short.

Frequent brushing will not only reduce the amount of hair that falls on the floor, but it will also help distribute the natural oil produced on your dog’s skin evenly. Therefore, help your dog maintain healthy and lustrous fur.

Since Dals are single-coated and their coats can’t get tangled or knotted, there is no reason why you should use a brush with a long bristle for them. Qualified groomers recommend using a horsehair mitt or rubber curry comb for brushing them. These brushes are perfect for dogs with short coats.

Feed Your Dog with Balanced Diet & Supplements

Healthy nutrition is another thing that plays a huge role in giving dogs a healthy coat. Feeding your dog with a highly nutritious meal will help improve his overall health and also the condition of his coat.

Supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids can improve your dog’s health and help him maintain healthy skin.

You may have to consult with your veterinarian so he can recommend the best food that will meet your dog’s dietary needs.

Invest in A Quality and Vet-Approved De-Shedding Shampoo

Consider bathing your dog with a de-shedding shampoo. This shampoo will help remove all loose hairs on your dog’s coat while bathing and prevent them from circulating in your house.

Invest in A Vacuum Cleaner with A HEPA Filter

When it comes to managing Dalmatian shedding, a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can be your secret weapon.

These specialized filters are designed to capture even the tiniest allergens and pet hair particles, ensuring your home stays clean and allergen-free.

By regularly vacuuming your floors, furniture, and other pet-frequented areas, you can easily keep hairs away from your house.

Consult with a Dog Groomer for Advice and Guidance

Meet a professional groomer for guidance and advice on how to manage shedding in Dalmatian. The vet may recommend some grooming techniques and products for you. He may also recommend supplements that will keep your dog’s hair healthy and also minimize shedding.

Are Dalmatians Hypoallergenic?

No, Dalmatians are not Hypoallergenic. They shed throughout the year, and they produce dander which can trigger allergic reactions in people suffering from allergies.

If you are looking forward to getting a low-shedding and hypoallergenic dog due to its allergenic nature, consider getting a Poodle.

For those who appreciate the Dalmatian’s high-energy nature, the Portuguese water dog could be a suitable alternative. This breed is also perfect for allergy sufferers.

Conclusion

The straightforward answer to this question “Do Dalmatians shed a lot?” is YES. Dalmatians are intelligent, loyal, and highly energetic dogs. However, don’t consider adding this dog to your already existing pet collection if you can’t do some cleaning and vacuuming.

Before you go, you can also read: How to Groom your Dog in Spring