Shana Rowan
Posted : 8/3/2007 5:23:51 PM
Thanks for the advice. I should add a few things: 1) Domino's coat is THE SOFTEST ever. Even the vet commented she had never seen a coat so soft in a Dalmatian. 2) The hair itself looks and feels very healthy; he does occasionally get little bald patches in some spots and I've noticed when I shed him, that there is a lot of dry skin on his butt.
Also, he has been to the vet several times in the past several months (We've only had him since the beginning of May) for bladder issues. They did an extensive list of tests on him, including thyroid problems, which they apparently found no problem with. He does have a recurring bladder infection that is cleared up by antibiotics. But the shedding didn't start until a good month after we had him. I am just curious if they could be related. The only supplement he is on is a Cosequin equivilent for his bad back legs.
Lastly, he has an OBSESSION, and I stress, OBSESSION, with water. We are always worried about giving him too much/too little because of said bladder problem and because he is with water like a lot of other dogs are with their food- wouldn't stop if it was gushing out his nose. Again the vet said Dalmatians are particularly obsessed with water, which I never heard before, but... like I said they did a lot of tests and didn't find any problems other than the bladder infection.
Oh, and... he is far from calm!! The previous owners claimed he "doesn't know how to play"... he is the most mischievous, playful, and obsessed dog I've ever owned (well, maybe tied with my parents' 14 year old Lab.) All in all a great dog, I can't believe someone let him go after 14 years!!