A Step-by-Step Guide to Bathing a Great Pyrenees

Bathing a Great Pyrenees can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be a breeze. They are large, gentle giants that require regular grooming to keep their thick coats clean and healthy.

Great Pyrenees have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, so it's essential to bathe them regularly to prevent matting and tangling.

Their thick coats can weigh up to 15 pounds, making them prone to skin problems if not properly cared for. Regular bathing can help prevent skin irritation and infections.

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary supplies within reach, including dog shampoo, conditioner, a brush, and a towel.

To bathe a Great Pyrenees, you'll want to prepare everything you need beforehand.

Great Pyrenees have thick coats that require special care during bathing, so it's essential to use a high-quality dog shampoo specifically designed for their coat type.

A good rule of thumb is to bathe your Great Pyrenees every 2-3 months, depending on their lifestyle and living conditions.

Before getting your Great Pyrenees wet, brush their coat thoroughly to remove any tangles or mats.

Great Pyrenees can be sensitive to certain ingredients in dog shampoos, so be sure to choose one that's gentle and hypoallergenic.

A non-slip mat or a raised bathing platform can help prevent your Great Pyrenees from slipping and falling in the tub.

Great Pyrenees can be prone to skin allergies, so it's crucial to use a shampoo that's free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances.

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You don't need to bathe your livestock guardian dogs frequently, as they have essential oils in their fur that keep their coat clean. These oils also help keep the fur free of tangles and mats, and prevent strong odors.

Bathing your LGD too often can remove these beneficial oils, so it's best to limit baths to once a year, or 3-4 times a year if possible. If you live in an area with mild winters, you may be able to get away with bathing your dog every season.

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If you're keeping a Great Pyrenees as a pet, you may want to bathe your dog more often, as they live indoors and don't need to worry about maintaining an outdoor coat.

To bathe your LGD, you can use a kiddie pool, which can be a more comfortable and convenient option than a shower or bath.

Before giving your dog a bath, brush their coat thoroughly to prevent matted hair and skin irritation. You can also use a high-velocity blower to remove loose hair and dirt.

When bathing your dog, use lukewarm water and a dog shampoo that dries their skin less than human shampoo. Be sure to rinse your dog thoroughly to remove all soap residue.

After the bath, air-dry your dog or use a blow dryer designed for dogs, as hot air from a human blow dryer can be too hot for their skin.

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Finishing the coat of your Great Pyrenees is crucial for its health and appearance. A wide-toothed comb should easily glide through the coat with no resistance all the way down to the skin.

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The neck, chest, and hindquarter area can get packed with excessive coat, so pay particular attention to these areas. A healthy coat is light, airy, and has a natural shine.

Use the right tools for the job, including an undercoat rake, slicker brush, and pin brush or bristle brush. These tools will help you achieve a natural look with minimal trimming.

For a Great Pyrenees, you'll want to use a 1-inch long undercoat rake to remove dead fur from the undercoat. This breed has a thick undercoat that requires a bit more TLC.

Here are some essential tools for finishing your Great Pyrenees' coat:

Regular brushing will help prevent mats and tangles, making your dog's coat look healthier and shinier. Spend 30 minutes a few times a week brushing your Great Pyrenees to keep them comfortable and clean.

Bathing a Great Pyrenees can be a bit of a process, but with the right steps, you can keep your furry friend clean and happy.

First, you'll want to either do a thorough brushing or use a high-velocity blower to remove hair and dirt.

A professional groomer, Cassie Putz, recommends a high-velocity blower, specifically one available on Amazon, for Great Pyrenees on her YouTube channel.

Get your dog completely wet before moving on to the next step.

Shampoo your dog's body with a high-quality dog shampoo, like Cowboy Magic.

Rinse your dog well after shampooing to get all the soap out.

Blow drying is especially important if the weather is cool or hot, as your dog's coat won't insulate properly while wet.

To keep your Great Pyrenees looking and feeling its best, it's essential to brush them before a bath. Matted hair holds water, leaving your dog with irritated skin, so take the time to gently work out any tangles.

A wide-toothed comb should easily glide through the coat with no resistance all the way down to the skin. This is a good indication that your dog's coat is healthy and light. Pay particular attention to the neck, chest, and hindquarter area as they can get packed with excessive coat.

To ensure a safe and comfortable bathing experience, use lukewarm water. Dog skin is different from ours, and hot water can burn dogs more easily.

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Dealing with Dog Mats can be a challenge, especially if your dog has a thick or long coat. It's best to use combs and detangling solutions to gently work out mats, as I prefer to do with my own dog.

Using a comb with actual razor blades, like the Great Pyrenees LGD owner in the video, is not recommended, but a less heavy-duty mat splitter is available on Amazon.

Working out mats can be a time-consuming process, but it's the safest solution for your dog's coat.

Ear cleaning is a crucial task for Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) like Great Pyrenees, who are prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears.

Floppy ears can provide protection for bacteria in the ears, which may lead to ear infections.

Cleaning your dog's ears once a month is a good starting point, but if your dog is prone to ear infections, you may need to clean their ears more frequently, such as once a week.

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If your dog already has an ear infection, don't clean their ears - it may be very painful for them. Instead, get ear medication from the vet to knock out the infection.

I use Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner, which has been recommended to me by multiple vets. I like to warm the bottle against my skin before using it, as cold fluid in the ear canal can be unpleasant for dogs.

To clean the ears, simply squirt the cleaner into your dog's ear and then rub around at the base of the ear. It should make a squishy noise so you know the solution is rubbing against the insides of your dog's ear and cleaning it.

Using cotton balls to wipe off excess fluid is a good idea, as it's much safer than using Q-tips.

The coat of a Great Pyrenees should be light, airy, and stand off the dog.

A wide-toothed comb should easily glide through the coat with no resistance all the way down to the skin.

Pay particular attention to the neck, chest, and hindquarter area as they can get packed with excessive coat.

A healthy coat is light, airy, and has a natural shine.

The Great Pyrenees should be in a natural state with the only trimming on feet, hocks, and pasterns.