Do Dalmatians have health problems?
Dalmatians are a notably healthy breed with a fairly long lifespan. Health issues to watch out for include a predisposition to deafness, which is linked to the same gene that gives a Dalmatian their spots. Your Dalmatian may also be prone to conditions including:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Dalmatian, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia so you know what they will be able to handle in terms of activities and exercise.
- Deafness: Dalmatians are genetically predisposed to deafness. Nearly 10 percent of all Dalmatians are born completely deaf, and about 20 percent are deaf in one ear. A veterinarian can give your Dalmatian the BAER hearing test after six weeks of age.
- Urinary tract issues: Dalmatians may be prone to kidney stones and other issues affecting their urinary tracts.