One of the most famous of all breeds, the Dalmatian is easy to spot. Their distinctive white, spotted coats certainly make them stand out in a crowd, but those same coats need regular grooming to keep their eye-catching appeal.
Step 1
Brush the dog thoroughly before bathing. Dalmatians may be a single-coated breed, but they still will shed enough to clog up your bathtub. Brush the dog in a circular motion, and dispose of loose hair in the trash.
Step 2
Lift the dog into the bathtub, and wet her coat thoroughly. The thin coat of the Dalmatian offers little protection against drafts, so use very warm water to keep her warm and comfortable.
Step 3
Mix a paste of baking soda and water in a small bowl, and apply it to heavily stained areas. Baking soda is a natural bleaching agent and will remove stains without irritating your Dalmatian’s sensitive skin. Leave the paste on for 5 minutes, scrub with an old toothbrush, and rinse with fresh water.
Step 4
Drizzle the wet dog with whitening shampoo. This special type of shampoo lifts stains from the coat and counteracts discoloration to leave your Dalmatian white and clean. Lather the dog’s entire body and let the shampoo sit for a couple of minutes before rinsing for maximum color payoff.
Step 5
Drape the dog with a dry towel, and lift him out of the bathtub. Rub his coat vigorously with the towel to remove as much water as possible, and keep the dog inside and out of drafts until he is completely dry.
References
Tips
- Unless your dog rolls in mud or garbage, he only needs a bath every two to three months. Dalmatians have sensitive skin, and frequent bathing strips the coat of oils that can lead to skin irritation.
Writer Bio
Louise Lawson has been a published author and editor for more than 10 years. Lawson specializes in pet and food-related articles, utilizing her 15 years as a sous chef and as a dog breeder, handler and trainer to produce pieces for online and print publications.