How to care for a Dogo Argentino?

Each breed has its own characteristics in the care – is no exception. I will tell you how I take care of my dogs and share recommendations with you.

Dogo Argentino needs to be trained in grooming from puppyhood. Bath procedures are carried out as they get dirty. Use only professional puppy shampoo. It has a neutral Ph and it gently removes all impurities. After water procedures, we wipe the puppy as dry as possible and place it in a warm place, do not let it be in a draft.

As an adult, things are not so easy anymore. Adult dogs actively walk, sometimes they find interesting places such as swamps and puddles. They can find the so-called “dog perfume” – and then an unforgettable aroma will be added to the dirt.

We often go for walks in the fields with our dogs, we go to the forest. During such walks, white wool quickly changes color to all shades of gray, green and other unpleasant colors. How can I get my pet back in shape?

For washing and caring for adult “Argentines”, you always need to have several types of shampoos and a balm with a mask. I like professional cosmetics for dogs: 1All systems, Iv San Bernard. This is both excellent quality and low consumption (mostly concentrated products and they need to be diluted), and excellent odor neutralization.

Our washing takes place in 1, 2 or 3 stages, depending on the desired effect. If the pollution is strong, I first use a super cleansing shampoo, then always a balm. After the balm, the coat stays moisturized longer and gets less dirty.

Before an exhibition or photo shoot, I first use a super cleansing shampoo, then a whitening shampoo (these products are blue or purple), and finally a mask or balm. Dogs become snow-white, as if their coat is glowing. 

Daily care is the usual washing of the paws and just rinsing with water.

After the bath, it is better to dry the dog with a pet dryer or a special compressor. So there is practically no chance to catch a cold in a draft, there will be no moisture on the litter, plus the old wool is blown out – which means less house cleaning.

During the molting period, the “express molting” procedure and FURminator help out perfectly. In addition to removing dead hair, the Furminator has another useful property. My dogs are always treated for ticks, but after walking I always comb them with the Furminator: it perfectly picks up parasites and any dirt.

Like all large dogs that like to lie on hard things (on the floor or on the ground), Argentines can develop calluses on their elbows and hips. These are such scuffs without wool. You can remove them only by excluding lying on the hard. No other way. Any means give only a temporary effect. But if the dog starts sleeping on the couch, the calluses will disappear.

It is important that both puppies and adult dogs have short nails. Some dogs grind them down on a hard surface (such as asphalt), while others have to shorten them regularly. Why is it important?

When moving, the dog collects its paw. If she has long claws, this can lead to deformity of the paw (wrong set), injury – or both.

You can cut or file claws almost to the line of the vessel. Dogo Argentino’s claws are usually light, so the border of the vessels is easy to see.

How often to cut? It’s different for every dog. Puppies usually cut their nails once a week, adults – once every 1 weeks.

You should always have styptic powder in your veterinary kit. If you still touch the vessel, the blood can flow very strongly. Hemostatic powder or a few grains of potassium permanganate will help stop it.

Now there are a lot of convenient eye care products. If the eyes are leaking or colored paths remain on the coat, you can treat the area around the eyes with a special lotion. It really helps to remove unwanted shade of wool. But this will not solve the main problem.

If your dog has regular eye discharge, please contact your veterinarian. This could be a sign of an allergic reaction, or the growth of cilia from the inside (this is rare, but it does occur), or something else. It is better to trust a specialist and not wait for everything to go away on its own.

Dogo Argentino ears need to be cleaned as they get dirty, about once a week. For this, too, there are special lotions. Gently wipe most of the ear with a cotton pad soaked in lotion. In no case do not try to climb into the depth of the ear. Dog ears are very sensitive and can be easily injured by accident.

If the discharge constantly accumulates in the ear, it is possible that the dog has otitis media. Please contact your nearest veterinary clinic for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment plan.

Feeding a balanced dry food helps to prevent the formation of plaque on the teeth. Now they produce special dental treats that help clean off plaque. I buy Whimzees treats for my dogs, they are such funny figurines. For our breed fits the largest size in the line.

If the dog has already formed a stone, it is better to use ultrasonic cleaning. In some clinics, it is done without anesthesia if the dog is calm.

Examine your dog regularly and if you notice something suspicious in its appearance or condition, immediately contact a specialist, consult a breeder. When your pet’s well-being is at stake, it’s always best to play it safe.