Conveniently, Great Danes are a very low odour breed, except of course for the farting, but you already knew that.
Bathing
Bathing these mammoths is not a major necessity, which works in our favour, no need to bother, or budget for trips to the dog salon! Frequent bathing will also strip essential oils from your dog's coat and since dry skin affects many Danes, keep baths to an (as needed) basis.
If grubby a fannel in soapy water wiped over her will suffice. More like a sponge bath to take of the grubby bits like we do daily but once a week will do for your Dane and when going to a show.
Shedding & Hair Loss
On the average, Great Danes shed like any short-haired breed, that is of course, if they are not suffering from skin problems, or allergies. You may notice quite a bit more hair around the house than would be left by a smaller short haired dog, Logically, we are dealing with much more surface area of dog.
Slight noticeable dander or dry skin is not uncommon with certain colour varieties by the way. Just keep an eye on it.
A daily once over with a brush will greatly reduce the amount of hair left on your carpet. We found that grooming a Great Dane using a rubber brush works best.
Mine comes with a handle much like a horse one in fact I have been gifted one that is for a horse but is lovely for a Dane too.
Head & Face
The head and face require slightly more upkeep. Great Danes seem to differ with regards to drool or slobber. Although there always seems to be a touch of wetness on the jowls, we find that the slimy, white slobber typically forms when they're on a scent, other canine or animal more specifically.
A trip to the park could make quite a mess of you Dane's beautiful face, carrying a towel is a wise choice. You may also need to tidy up a bit after your Dane drinks, seems they haven't quite perfected this skill as of yet.
Eyes may build mucus from time to time such as a road trip, with your dog hanging its head out the window catching the breeze. This mucus is normal and nothing to worry about. If weeping though wipe with a flannel but if it doesnt clear up pop to the vet for a check up.
Ears should be cleaned once a week. Baby wipes work here because of the size of the lugs. Do not scrape the ears but rub gently as they seem to love this and will emit lovely sounds. Do not go to deep in either and if a lot of wax use an ear cleaner to soften it all up and go at the ears a few hours later.
Teeth
Teeth are much easier to maintain than with a smaller breed, they're way bigger and not cramped into a tiny little mouth. Grab hold and pull up on the convenient jowl handle. What a nice unobstructed view of those choppers. Watch for tarter or food built up in the creases and crevasses, the rear molars seem to hold the most debris.
Getting your dog used to a toothbrush and teeth care early on will make it a fun, tasty experience for years to come. Those that feed raw or offer a good marrow bone to gnaw on will most likely never need anything else.
Great Danes are pretty tolerant of head maintenance, eye, ear, and face cleanup is a breeze. Teeth brushing may take some practice yet if started early, as a puppy, should go easy as well.
Feet, Paws, Nails
Your Danes paws and nails require proper care. A split toenail, splinter, or cut, can have a detrimental effect on the well being of your dog. The giant, heavyweight Great Dane is more susceptible to paw injuries than a smaller breed, their feet take the brunt force of their powerful strides.
Ever wonder how much pressure your Great Dane puts on its feet? Let him step on yours. A small sharp object such as a piece of glass may only slightly cut or scratch a small dogs paw pad. Under the pressure of a pouncing Dane, it can cause a major gash and need surgery.
Keep the nails as short as possible! With Dane nail care, we always try to cut as close to the quick as possible. If you don't want to do this find a good vet that is used to Danes or at least large breeds.
Whatever method you choose begin Dane nail care early, were serious. If you begin while your dog is a young puppy, you will have no problems in the future with a mature, powerful adult.
Dogs are not in pain when you cut their nails, even if they bleed. Yet a dog that's not accustomed to the procedure will make you believe that you're killing them. Wait and see, neglect nail care and it's going to take you, your partner, and your neighbour to clip your adult males toenails if even then in fact he most likely will have to be sedated for his nails to be trimmed every 3-6 months. Which can work out very expensive.
Tip: Many savvy owners choose a late hour for doggy maintenance. Grooming a Great Dane, especially nail care, will go a little easier while your Dane is in a deep sleep.
Important
Foot and paw care is probably the most important aspect of grooming a Great Dane. Neglect this department and further problems can develop. A Dane with a painful or injured paw will make changes to its posture, gait, and weight distribution. This can lead to orthopaedic problems or even a ligament injury.
Start with your young puppy with all the Great Dane grooming practices, make leg and paw rubs a nightly affair. Everything is easier with a young Dane and will only cause much grief if left for later.
A nice thing to do every month is to do a once over on your Dane as in check teeth, ears and body much like they do in the show ring. Leg rubs are allowed and an ear stritch too. In fact if you miss this they will let you know if you have been doing it for awhile and forget.
In winter months wipe your Danes feet when he comes in as most pavements have grit on them and can irritate your dogs feet. We usually have a basin of warm water at the ready a Dane does love a pampering.
If a rambler with your Dane always check the feet when you come in as thorns, bits of twigs and such like can be nasty of not noticed.
HAPPY TRAILS.
