How to Groom a Great Dane (Must-Have Tools & Vet-Verified Tips)
Grooming is an essential part of care for our pets, and a Great Dane is no exception. Even though they have short, easy-to-manage coats, they still require maintenance to keep them healthy and shiny. Because of their large size, bathing can be quite an experience, but luckily, they don't need baths very often. Below, we'll discuss how to groom your Great Dane.
How to Groom a Great Dane
1. Gather Up All Your Supplies
Grooming your dog is vital. Before you bring your dog home, having all the essential supplies on hand is ideal. Here is a brief list of the grooming supplies for your Dane:
- Ear & eye cleaning kit
- Toothbrush
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Brushes
- Doggy-designated towels/cloths
- Dog-safe wipes
2. Brush Your Dane Frequently
Because your Great Dane has short hair, you don't have to worry about mats and tangles, but regular brushing will keep their fur and skin healthy.
Instead of finding loose hair all over your fabrics and furniture, you can brush your Dane a few times a week to reduce debris and loose hair. You only need a few brushing tools, each with its own benefits.
Slicker Brush
Slicker brushes have even, thin layers of bristles to remove dead skin, dirt, and loose hair from the coat. They are inexpensive, and many have a self-cleaning feature.
Synthetic Bristle/Animal Hair Brush
Both synthetic and animal hair brushes are flexible and dense. Their bristles evenly distribute oils through your dog’s coat, creating a lustrous finish.
De-Shedding Tool
De-shedding tools should be used sparingly since frequent use can cause skin irritation. They are designed to reach the undercoat layer, removing loose hair.
3. Get Your Dane Used to Nail Trimming Early
Your Great Dane is going to get large very quickly. If they are resistant or unsure about nail trimming, getting them to cooperate will be much more challenging if they are scared or untrained. Your Great Dane will have very long nails that can do quite a bit of damage, so you don't want to skip nail trimming.
Introducing and using the nail clippers when your Great Dane is a puppy is best. Some dogs are very sensitive about having their paws touched, so take things slowly and help them become comfortable with the process. If you're uncertain about trimming your dog's nails, consult a veterinarian for guidance.
4. Buy Proper Shampoos
Some Great Danes can suffer from allergies related to food and environmental factors. So, the shampoo and conditioner mustn’t irritate or dry out their skin.
To protect your Great Dane’s skin, always aim to buy species-appropriate, fragrance- and dye-free shampoo. It’s often better to choose gentle, hypoallergenic formulas for dogs and ones that have been recommended by your veterinarian.
Luckily, there are several fragrance-free shampoos and conditioners on the market. Some use carefully formulated natural ingredients or mild scents to keep your dog feeling and smelling fresh.
Our Favorite Products
Bathing your dog may be challenging, but selecting the right shampoo can help make the process a bit easier. Our favorite products come from Hepper's Shampoo product line, offering natural, pet-friendly solutions meticulously designed to gently cleanse your dog's skin and coat without any risk of irritating or drying them out. These formulas are free of harmful additives such as dyes, soaps, sulfates, and phthalates. The Deep Cleansing Shampoo is a great option for pet owners who have difficulty neutralizing tough doggy odors. Hepper's Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is a great way to treat your pet to aloe vera and oatmeal's calming benefits while you revel in the delightful and refreshing scents!
Comparison Table (block #764207)
At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!
5. Wipe Down Between Baths
Many pet parents keep doggy wipes or scent-free baby wipes on hand to give their Danes wipe-downs between baths. You simply take a wipe and wipe their fur to remove debris, dander, or dirt. If you use this method, you may be able to wait longer between full-body baths.
If you are looking for the perfect product to clean your dog's sensitive areas, Hepper's Wash Wipes are our recommendation, plus it's a great on-the-go option. These premium wipes are thick and durable enough for the toughest of paw messes, while still being soft enough to use on your dog's ears or eyes. Formulated with pet-friendly, hypoallergenic ingredients they are the ideal product for all dogs of all ages, skin conditions, or sensitivities.
At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!
6. Get Creative at Bath Time
Your Great Dane may be somewhat tricky to bathe. Most full-grown Great Danes have trouble fitting in a traditional bathtub or stand-up shower. Many owners sponge down their Dane instead of giving them a full-body bath.
To bath your Dane easily, follow these steps:
It's important to put only a little soap into the water. If the water becomes too bubbly, you might have to rinse your dog several times, creating an even bigger mess.
If you can access a hose in the warmer months, you can give your Great Dane a bath in the backyard. We recommend doing this on a wooden deck, large kiddy pool, or cement surface so you don't make a mess in the house.
If you have a large tub, you can bathe your pup in it, but it's easier when your Great Dane is cooperative. If you have a rambunctious dog, it may take two or more people just to hold them still while bathing takes place. It can be challenging and stressful for all parties if they are not used to being bathed.
7. Keep Your Great Dane’s Ears Clean & Dry
If you get water down in your dog's floppy ears, it can create a moist environment that encourages bacterial or yeast growth. These microorganisms can cause infections in the external ear canal, which can be painful and sometimes hard to treat. After baths, thoroughly dry your Great Dane's ears with a soft towel.
It's vital to avoid using Q-tips, as they can cause severe damage to your dog's ear if you go too far inside by mistake or your dog suddenly moves during cleaning.
8. Start Tooth Brushing Early
Dental health is incredibly important for your Great Dane since dental disease is common (but preventable) later in life. Brushing your Dane’s teeth daily helps remove plaque and reduce tartar buildup.
You can also get them dental chew toys to help support oral hygiene between brushings.
9. Take Your Dane to the Groomer
Your Great Dane wants pampering, too! Why should long-haired pups get all the attention? Every so often, taking your pup to the groomer may be a nice change of pace. This is a great way to have your dog professionally groomed and to help them get comfortable with handling in a grooming environment.
Your pup will return feeling and looking their best, and there’s no work in it for you.
Conclusion
Grooming your Great Dane will be a cinch once you get the hang of it. Since they have short hair, they are simple to brush and often enjoy the experience. Remember to get your pup accustomed to grooming as early as possible to create a bond and trust. Plus, teaching a puppy is easier than holding down a full-grown 120-pound adult!
Featured Image credit: verky01, Shutterstock
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Ashley Bates is a freelance dog writer and pet enthusiast who is currently studying the art of animal therapy. A mother to four human children— and 23 furry and feathery kids, too – Ashley volunteers at local shelters, advocates for animal well-being, and rescues every creature in need. Her mission is to create awareness, education, and entertainment about pets to prevent homelessness. Her specialties are dogs and cats.
