Regular Grooming, it can keep your dog healthy longer.

There are some simple at-home grooming steps you can do to help keep your dog feeling as good as he looks. Regular grooming keeps your giant healthy because you can detect early signs of illnesses due to:

* Use a Mars coat king. It helps remove old dead hair, dirt and mats. It is easy to use. Works like a brush would on a shedding breed. It also gives you a chance to examine your dog for fleas, ticks and any changes in skin condition.

SUPPLIES TO GET a “mars coat king”, a matt breaker, a Steel comb and wire brush

 *Blowing out the dog’s coat is really good to do. It removes dust and dirt. It minimizes the amount of baths you need to give a dog so it keeps the skin from drying out. You can purchase a blower/dryer they cost about $130.00 I suggest the double k two speed I have had mine for years, it is a bit more. Otherwise You can Use a wet-dry vacuum in the “blower mode” you can call me and ask if you do not understand. If you are going to use a wet dry vacuum then I would buy one just for dog use. That is because you are blowing at high velocity and would not want bacteria or particles in it. The smaller ones are not expensive to pick up.

 *Bathing with a mild shampoo, dry well with a towel, you can use cowboy magic detangler it is best to keep mats under control. Otherwise You can also use mane and tail detangle but it does not work as well.  Blow coat dry . You can also by rinse free shampoo which can make life very easy. I use it for legs and tuck area

*Ear cleaning is important. Whether the ears are cropped or natural (floppy-eared) it can be prone to infection. Buy a bottle of ear wash. Follow directions on the bottle.  

*Cleaning Eyes Not that Giants are prone to this but they have a lot of hair around the eyes. It can cause clog in tear duct. After time this can infect it and scar it permanently. Tears are needed for many reasons and lack of it can cause injury that can lead to eye injuries.

*Trimming nails will save your clothing, flooring and more importantly trimming them will keep the dog’s feet healthy. Long nails can cause arthritic changes to your dog’s foot growth. It can splay the foot. The sliding around can also injures the dog’s joints. I have heard cases of toe cancer detected early by dog owners who trim the nails regularly. You can buy a nail grinder for $50.00. Otherwise pick up a cordless dremel at home depot

If you are unable to do these simple things, please have them done professionally. Your dog will be happier and healthier and save you a load of money in the long run.

You may find a local breeder who does pet grooming. It does not hurt to ask.

If you live near us or see us at a show, my daughter Elyse does a wonderful job at grooming, she charges a very reasonable fee. If you are at a show where we will be, call so you can set up an appointment. Email us to set something up if you like.

Want to help you pet stay healthier longer, visit my first aid page as well