Bullmastiffs have short, dense and sleek fur, so they do not shed very much except seasonally
Brushing is needed to remove dead hair, distribute natural oils for a clean and healthy coat, stimulate the surface of the skin, and get rid of dead and dry skin
Once a week MINIMUM
Use a rubber brush or hound glove to bring dirt or loose hair to the surface
Let your dog see and smell the brush, then begin brushing while you reward him with treats and praise.
Keep your sessions short at first and increase the length of time as your dog learns to enjoy it.
Hound Glove
Bathing:
Due to his short fur, the occasional bath is needed once every 4 months for a Bullmastiff
Bathing him too frequently will dry out his skin and strip the natural oils from his coat
Do NOT use HUMAN shampoo on dogs; the harsh chemicals are not meant for them
Rinse shampoos completely to avoid dull residue left on coat
Never wash inside the ears with shampoo
Always good to speak to a veterinarian about the right shampoo for your breed
Bullmastiff nails are very thick and should be clipped once a week to every 2 weeks
Dogs' nails grow in a curve, letting them get too long will cause their toes to splay or twist when they walk, leading to broken toes
Clipping their nails regularly will decrease wear and tear of your flooring and carpets and furniture
**WARNING** Because of the Bullmastiff's dark nails, you cannot see the quick of the nail
The quick of the nail is the vein in dogs; if you cut the quick, it will cause a lot of bleeding and hurt them
It is recommended to see a veterinary technician or animal care groomer to learn how to cut the nails without cutting the quick
Keep a jar of "Kwik Stop" - talc or styptic powder - available to dab onto your dog's quick if it bleeds; this will stop the bleeding fast.
Quick Diagram
Hematoma Diagram
Dog ear with hematoma pointed to by the green arrows
Ear Cleaning:
Dog breeds with floppy ears, such as the Bullmastiff, are more prone to ear infections
The shape of the ear tends to trap moisture and makes it easier for dirt and bacteria to accumulate.
Clean the Bullmastiff's ears once a week!
Use a cotton ball or a piece of gauze with ear cleaning solution, or a baby wipe wrapped around your finger.
Don’t use water because it doesn’t evaporate very easily.
Wipe the inside surface of your dog’s ear, going down only as far as your finger easily fits.
Don’t use Q-tips or try to put anything further down the ear canal or you will risk causing an ear injury.
If you notice an unusual smell or a discharge coming from your dog’s ears, let your veterinarian know right away
If ear infections are left untreated, a hematoma can occur due to excessive shaking of the head, causing a ruptured blood vessel
The ear will be swollen and feel filled with liquid; the dog's ear will look like it's held higher up or slanted more back than the normal ear due to the swelling
It will be painful to squeeze or touch the ear
Always consult your veterinarian about the best ear cleaning solution for your breed
Nose Care:
Bullmastiffs unfortunately inherited the predisposition of dry noses from BOTH lineages, the Bulldog and the Mastiff
They tend to get crusty, chapped and cracked noses, especially after bathing, so it is important to moisturize their noses