Dalmatian Dogs
The Dalmatians are relatively healthy and easy to keep breed, but like any other dog breed, they exhibit the propensity towards certain health problems that are specific to them. However, it goes without mentioning that the Dalmatian is one among the few dog breeds unaffected by most ocular and cardiac problems affecting many other medium to large dog breeds. The average lifespan of Dalmatians is listed as being between 11 and 13 years by the Dalmatian Club of America. Unfortunately, it can be shorter than this because they have been recognized as being vulnerable to the following Dalmatian health problems.
Deafness
Deafness is actually one of the commonest Dalmatian health problems considered as being a genetic predisposition common with the breed. In fact, it is necessary to note that almost 71 percent of the Dalmatians have normal hearing, 9 percent are born deaf, and 20 percent have hearing present in only one ear (unilateral hearing). This health problem was not recognized by early breeders, so the breed was thought to be unintelligent.
A method known as BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) can be used to assess the Dalmatian’s hearing ability, but should be performed by a trusted veterinarian. Although the Board of the Dalmatian Club of America recently issued a policy statement that recommends breeding of dogs with bilateral hearing, unilateral hearing Dalmatians still make excellent pets, but with proper training.
Hyperuricemia
Just like humans, the Dalmatians can suffer from hyperuricemia, a health condition associated with the buildup of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is normally excreted in high concentrations through the urine leading to the formation of stones anywhere in the urinary tract, especially the bladder or kidneys. Uric acid levels in Dalmatians are usually higher than in any other breed.
Dalmatian health problems linked to hyperuricemia, such as urinary blockages are more likely to occur in middle-aged males.
Deafness
Deafness is actually one of the commonest Dalmatian health problems considered as being a genetic predisposition common with the breed. In fact, it is necessary to note that almost 71 percent of the Dalmatians have normal hearing, 9 percent are born deaf, and 20 percent have hearing present in only one ear (unilateral hearing). This health problem was not recognized by early breeders, so the breed was thought to be unintelligent.
A method known as BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) can be used to assess the Dalmatian’s hearing ability, but should be performed by a trusted veterinarian. Although the Board of the Dalmatian Club of America recently issued a policy statement that recommends breeding of dogs with bilateral hearing, unilateral hearing Dalmatians still make excellent pets, but with proper training.
Hyperuricemia
Just like humans, the Dalmatians can suffer from hyperuricemia, a health condition associated with the buildup of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is normally excreted in high concentrations through the urine leading to the formation of stones anywhere in the urinary tract, especially the bladder or kidneys. Uric acid levels in Dalmatians are usually higher than in any other breed.
Dalmatian health problems linked to hyperuricemia, such as urinary blockages are more likely to occur in middle-aged males.