Cane Corso Grooming Needs: How to Keep Your Cane Corso Looking and Feeling Their Best
The Cane Corso is a large, muscular Italian mastiff breed that requires regular grooming to keep their coat looking its best. While Cane Corsos have relatively low maintenance coats compared to other breeds, they do have some specific grooming needs. Proper grooming not only keeps your Cane Corso looking good, but also promotes good skin and coat health. This article will cover everything you need to know about grooming your Cane Corso.
Brushing
Regular brushing is important for removing loose hair and distributing skin oils throughout your Cane Corso's coat. How often you need to brush depends on multiple factors:
- Coat length - Dogs with longer coats need more frequent brushing than short-haired dogs. Cane Corsos have short, stiff coats that typically only need brushing 1-2 times per week.
- Shedding - Heavy shedders need to be brushed more often when they are blowing their coat. Cane Corsos shed moderately year-round.
- Coat condition - Dry, damaged coats need more frequent brushing to distribute oils. Healthy coats may only need occasional brushing.
For Cane Corsos, plan on brushing 1-2 times per week year round. Use a stiff bristle brush made for short-haired breeds. Brush in the direction of hair growth and ensure you reach the undercoat. Regular brushing sessions should only last 10-15 minutes.
Pay extra attention during seasonal shedding in the Spring and Fall. Increase brushing to 2-3 times per week when your Cane Corso is blowing their coat. Thorough brushing will contain shedding and prevent hair buildup in your home.
Bathing
Cane Corsos only need bathing every 4-8 weeks on average. Bathing too often can dry out their skin. Follow these bath time tips:
- Brush thoroughly before bathing to remove dead hair and prevent tangles.
- Use a dog-safe shampoo and lukewarm water. Never use human shampoo.
- Target areas that get greasy like the back, tail, and folds around the mouth.
- Avoid getting water in the ears to prevent infections.
- Dry thoroughly with towels and a blow dryer on a low heat setting.
Some signs your Cane Corso needs a bath include:
- Greasy coat and skin
- Smelly coat
- Dirty coat from playing outside
- Dry, flaky skin
Nail Trimming
Cane Corsos need their nails trimmed every 2-3 weeks to keep them short. Long nails can crack or split, causing pain and bleeding. Long nails also compromise your flooring and furniture.
Use sharp nail clippers made for large dogs. Trim just the clear portion of the nail, avoiding the pink quick inside. Only trim a small amount at a time to avoid hitting the quick. Nails may bleed minimally if you nick the quick.
Signs your Cane Corso's nails are too long:
- Click loudly on the floor when walking
- Get snagged on furniture and blankets
- Curl under the paw
If your Cane Corso is resistant to nail trims, start young and go slowly with positive reinforcement. Consider taking them to a professional groomer if they won't let you trim their nails.
Ear Cleaning
Check and clean your Cane Corso's ears weekly to prevent infections. Use a dog ear wash or 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Dampen a cotton ball and gently wipe out any debris. Swab only the visible ear canal - don't insert anything into the inner ear. Signs of an ear infection include:
- Head shaking and scratching
- Redness and inflammation
- Discharge or odor
- Crusts or scabs on the inside of the ear
See your vet if you notice any of these infection signs. Cane Corsos with allergies or floppy ears are prone to more frequent ear infections. Keeping ears clean weekly will help prevent issues.
Dental Care
Daily tooth brushing and annual cleanings keep your Cane Corso's teeth plaque-free. Here are some tips:
- Start young and get them used to having their teeth brushed. Use dog toothpaste only.
- Brush daily if possible, or at least several times per week. Focus on the outer surfaces of the teeth.
- Use treats and toys that promote dental health.
- Have your vet do an annual dental cleaning and exam, sometimes under anesthesia.
Signs your Cane Corso may have dental problems:
- Bad breath
- Red, inflamed, or receding gums
- Broken or discolored teeth
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty eating
Be proactive about dental care to avoid costly extractions down the road. Removing plaque regularly keeps their teeth and gums healthy.
Eye Care
Cane Corsos typically have few eye problems, but folds of skin around their eyes can trap debris and lead to infection. Clean facial folds daily by:
- Using water or saline eye wash on a cotton ball to gently wipe any eye discharge away
- Using a warm, wet cloth to wipe away dirt trapped in facial folds
- Trimming hair around the eyes to prevent irritation
- Applying an eye lubricant recommended by your vet
See the vet immediately if you notice excessive eye discharge, swelling, redness, or signs of pain like squinting.
Shedding Prevention
While you can't stop a Cane Corso from shedding, you can reduce amount of hair in your home by:
- Brushing 2-3 times per week during shedding season
- Bathing and brushing before their seasonal shed begins
- Using deshedding tools like an undercoat rake when brushing
- Wiping your Cane Corso down with damp microfiber cloths between brushing
- Vacuuming often during peak shedding periods
- Washing bedding frequently to remove stray hair
Shedding is unavoidable, but keeping up with grooming prevents excessive hair from getting everywhere.
Common Grooming Problems in Cane Corsos
Cane Corsos are prone to a few common skin and coat issues:
| Problem | Prevention/Treatment |
|---|---|
| Dry, flaky skin | Increase brushing, bath with moisturizing shampoo, use humidifier, supplement oils |
| Hot spots | Keep coat brushed out, identify and treat allergies, use topical medication from vet |
| Seborrhea | Medicated antifungal shampoo, treat underlying causes |
| Allergic reactions | Eliminate allergen if possible, medication from vet |
See your vet if any skin or coat issues do not resolve with proactive grooming and hygiene. Underlying problems like allergies may require medication.
Professional Grooming
While you can handle most basic grooming at home, Cane Corsos benefit from professional grooming 1-2 times per year for:
- Thorough deshedding treatments
- Dental cleanings under anesthesia
- Nail trims if your dog hates having their feet handled
Find a groomer experienced with large breeds. Let them know of any sensitivities or handling issues. A groomer can help you stay on top of tasks like nail trims so they don't get overwhelmingly long between visits.
Keep Up With Regular Grooming
While short-haired, Cane Corsos still require weekly grooming tasks like brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. Develop and stick to a regular schedule that fits your lifestyle. Your handsome Cane Corso will reward you with better health, improved behavior, and years of loyalty. Don't let small grooming tasks pile up into big problems down the road.