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When we adopted Dolly we were fortunate enough to get her from the actual groomer that everyone goes to, so we put her on a schedule for grooming once a month. I have talked to her about what to do if she gets dirty and needs a bath so here is what she said! While they are known for being low-maintenance dogs, their thick coat requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and free of mats. Have you ever seen the Great Pyrenees covered in mats? I feel like once you hit a certain point it’s tough to come back from it without shaving them which is definitely NOT something you should do. Here is how you should take care of your polar bear of a dog –
1. Brushing
Regular brushing is one of the most important aspects of grooming a Great Pyrenees. Their thick double coat sheds year-round, and can mat easily if not brushed regularly. To brush your Great Pyrenees, you’ll need a slicker brush and a comb. Start by using the slicker brush to remove any loose fur and mats from the coat. Once you’ve brushed the entire coat, use the comb to go over it again and remove any remaining tangles. Be sure to pay special attention to areas where mats are more likely to form, such as behind the ears, under the tail, and around the legs.
2. Bathing
Great Pyrenees don’t require frequent bathing, but when they do, it’s important to use a dog-specific shampoo and conditioner to keep their coat healthy and moisturized. Before you begin bathing your Great Pyrenees, be sure to brush out any tangles or mats. Then, wet your dog down with warm water and apply the shampoo, lathering it well into the coat. Rinse thoroughly and repeat with the conditioner. Be sure to rinse your dog thoroughly to avoid leaving any soap residue in their coat. Ours loves the water (which typically is not the case for great pyrs) and we live by a lake. Our groomer said it’s okay to let her get wet every other week when her coat is fully in, but just to make sure she is completely dry when we are done bathing so she doesn’t contract skin infections.
3. Nail trimming
Regular nail trimming is important for all dogs, but it’s especially important for Great Pyrenees due to their large size. Long nails can cause discomfort and even pain for your dog, and can also lead to joint problems down the line. To trim your Great Pyrenees’ nails, use a pair of dog-specific nail clippers and clip just the tips of the nails. Be sure to avoid the quick (the pink portion of the nail that contains blood vessels), as cutting this can be painful and cause bleeding.
4. Ear cleaning
Great Pyrenees are prone to ear infections, so it’s important to keep their ears clean and dry. To clean your Great Pyrenees’ ears, use a cotton ball or pad and a dog-specific ear cleaner. Wet the cotton ball with the ear cleaner and gently wipe the inside of your dog’s ear, being sure not to go too deep into the ear canal. Repeat on the other ear.
5. Dental care
Dental care is an important part of overall health for any dog, and Great Pyrenees are no exception. Regular brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste and toothbrush can help prevent dental problems down the line. You can also provide dental chews and toys to help keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy.
Things to Be Aware of When Grooming Your Great Pyrenees –
Firstly, their thick coat can make it difficult to spot any skin problems or abnormalities, so be sure to check their skin regularly for any signs of irritation or infection.
Secondly, their thick coat can also make it difficult to spot any ticks or fleas, so be sure to check them regularly with a flea comb and use preventative measures as needed. We get her treated at the vet for flea and ticks, I didn’t know you could do this with a chewable tablet!
To sum it all up, grooming your Great Pyrenees is an important part of keeping them healthy and happy. Regular brushing, bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care are all important aspects of grooming a Great Pyrenees. Be sure to be aware of any skin problems or parasites, and seek veterinary care if needed. With regular grooming and care, your Great Pyrenees can live a long and healthy life.
Common FAQ’s
- Are you supposed to cut the hair on Great Pyrenees?
No, you shouldn’t cut the hair on a Great Pyrenees. They have a double coat that is designed to protect them from the cold and heat, and cutting their hair can damage their coat and lead to skin problems. However, regular grooming and brushing is important to keep their coat healthy and free of mats.
2. How often should Pyrenees be bathed?
Great Pyrenees don’t require frequent bathing, but when they do, it’s important to use a dog-specific shampoo and conditioner to keep their coat healthy and moisturized. Most Great Pyrenees only need to be bathed every 2-3 months, but this can vary depending on their activity level and how dirty they get.
3. How do you keep a Great Pyrenees cool in the summer?
Great Pyrenees can overheat easily in the summer due to their thick coat, so it’s important to keep them cool. You can do this by providing plenty of shade and cool water, using a cooling mat or bandana, and avoiding exercise during the hottest parts of the day. You can also trim the hair around their paws and belly to help them cool down.
4. Are Great Pyrenees double coated?
Yes, Great Pyrenees are double coated. They have a thick undercoat that is soft and insulating, and a longer outer coat that is coarser and provides protection from the elements. Their double coat requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and free of mats.
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