Talk to your veterinarian about keeping a supply of Benadryl handy for your big pal. Just like us, dogs can have allergies to insect bites, vaccinations, etc. If appropriate for your dog, your vet will tell you how much Benadryl to administer in case of an allergic reaction.

Many giant breed dogs are susceptible to gastric torsion, commonly called bloat. Experts agree that feeding your dog with her food and water bowls elevated to the same height as her withers (shoulders) can help prevent this often fatal medical crisis. Also let your dog rest before and after eating, and feed her at least twice a day instead of a large portion at one time. Talk to your vet and check out our custom elevated feeders made to your height requirements.

Dogs get acne? It’s true that some large breed dogs, like Bullmastiffs, are susceptible to facial acne. Ways to prevent the unsightly and painful affliction are to use only stainless steel food and water bowls and to wash them thoroughly with hot soapy water after each use. After his meal, you can also wipe your dog’s muzzle with a comforting warm washcloth. The good news is that, like teenagers, they usually outgrow it. If your dog has acne, tell your vet and take a gander at our high-grade stainless steel bowls.

Groom your puppy early and often to get her used to being handled. Bathe her once your vet says it’s safe, brush or comb her coat, trim and file her nails and clean her ears, giving treats all the while. When she’s a full-sized adult, you’ll be glad you started early and don’t have to muscle 100+ pounds!

Keep toys safe for your four-legged friend. Trim damaged and frayed toys. Loose toy pieces can be swallowed and can cause intestinal problems or even blockages. Discard toys once they are beyond repair.

Early and ongoing socialization is essential to raising a happy well-adjusted dog. Talk to your vet about when it’s safe to take your new pal in public to explore and meet new human and canine friends.

It is important that you establish leadership with your pup, especially since he’s going to be a big boy quicker than you can imagine. As soon as you can, enroll him in an obedience class with a well-qualified trainer. To establish leadership, don’t play on the floor with your dog, give and take toys away, eat before you feed him, make him sit and stay for his dinner, go through doorways before him and make him move if he’s blocking your way.

Many indoor and outdoor plants and household items can be toxic to your furry friend. Don’t leave your puppy unattended outdoors or allow her to run free inside. If you can’t monitor her, confine her in a safe comforting environment.

Exercise is important for all dogs, including giant breeds.  However, it’s important to minimize impact on big dogs’ joints, limiting jumping up and down, etc.  Check out our Pet Step to help get your dog on and off high places.  Take your dog on leash for a nice long walk or let him swim in a pool, while you watch or join in, after you’ve ensured he knows how to get out.  Big dogs can also have a tendency to overheat, so monitor your pal closely and stop once he’s tired or hot.  Check with your vet for more info and safe exercise alternatives for your lifelong buddy.

Did you know you can teach your dog to NOT destroy her toys, (especially helpful for plush and stuffed toys)?  As soon as your pooch starts playing too roughly with the toy, gently but firmly take the toy away.  Return the toy to your dog after a couple of minutes, and praise her when she plays gently with the toy.  Repeat this process until she learns that she gets to keep playing with the toy only when she is playing nicely.  This is also a great reinforcement of your leadership and obedience commands such as “drop it” or “give” and “take it”.