Skin Allergies

              While a healthy Great Dane may remind you of a chiseled Olympic athlete Danes are not famous for their health.  Their short hair is a blessing and a curse.  It is easy to take care of, requires little maintenance, no cutting, does not hold dirt, but as a rule short haired dogs are more prone to skin allergies.

                The most common of the allergies which I appropriately call bald butt, not sure about the scientific name, seems to appear during hotter weather or when a Great Dane is stressed.  I have seen it happen with both of our adopted Danes the first year we had them and return only mildly in following years.  The only remedy that I have found to work for any extended period of time is a steroid sot administered by the vet.  This is not the cheapest option and you have to watch out for accidents afterwards but it is effective.  Repeated bathing seems to make the problem worse.

                Another common problem is the muzzle acne, which I have also seen in both Danes in their first years and is aggravated by similar circumstances.  Acne is pretty gross and is characterized by pustules around the mouth and on the chin.  Danes usually seem oblivious to pain but they seem to be bothered by this particular affliction.  The steroid shot is temporarily effective for this outbreak but thankfully it is more easily treatable.  A simple application of vinegar, usually just once or twice should clear this up no problem.  I just wet a paper towel and wipe down the muzzle.  The Great danes don’t appreciate this much but it does work like a charm.

                Ingrown hairs are also fairly common and not easily diagnosed by someone unfamiliar with Danes.  They most commonly occur on the hip (high friction areas) and appear as big growths, almost like a tumor.  The best solution for these suckers is simple.  Put on safety glasses and squeeze.  The dog is usually oblivious and when it pops it is freakishly cool, blood, pus and hair pop out.  Not for the faint of heart but a small price to pay for a Great Dane lover and sickenely addictive.  After the eruption apply some antibacterial ointment and do it again in a few days.  When the growth flattens out and softens to the touch quit with your sick addiction and let the poor beast grow some hair.