Elizabethan Collar
(Submitted by Scot Billings)

Since our first litter we have used foam plastic elizabethan collars for ear crops and other surgeries, etc, that need to be "left alone". They are made from three or four inch thick foam plastic cushions (chair or sofa type) that are cut (using an electric carving knife) to the diameter desired. Then there is a hole cut in the center for the head, and a slit from the neck hole to the outside edge, that will be laced up with long shoelaces after it is on the Dane's neck. This way there is no noise (like one has with the plastic ones) and with less discomfort and weight. An example of this may be seen at http://www.netpets.org/~rokadane/holiday.jpg

Ear Tips
(Submitted by Sue Wyne)

At last year's National, a proud Mom was walking her older puppy.  She had nose strips (used for those folks who have trouble breathing and/or snoring...and sometimes by football players!) on the inside of his ears for support of his wavy ear tips.  They come in 2 or 3 lengths, but the longest seems to work best.  They are light weight, so as to not add weight to the tip, but sturdy enough to hold it upright.  A skin bond product can be used for that extra stick.  It worked great for our 5 and a half month old puppy!

Bites & Stings
(Submitted by Karen Quatman)

Apply one of the following to bites or stings to reduce pain and swelling:

Aloe vera gel, garlic oil, baking soda and water, vinegar, honey, plaintain tea, or safflower oil.

Use lemon juice and corn starch or lobelia extract and myrrh to relieve persistant pain and itch.

Pennyroyal tea mixed with a drop of eucalyptus oil can be applied to the skin as an insect repellant.

Dried tomato leaves can keep bugs out of your house when hung by windows.

Taking garlic supplements, or eating garlic will lessen your chances of bug bites (and vampire bites).

Homemade Stretcher
(Submitted by Karen Quatman)

If you are ever in a situation at home where there is a need to move your sick/injured Great Dane, it is best to be prepared to have something on hand to mobilize and transport them safely.

A camping cot is one alternative.  Most camping cots fit through the average door openings, fold away easily, are lightweight and easy to store. Woven straps can be purchased at most local hardware stores and tied or sewn around the sides.  Sew 4" Velcro around the ends of each strap to use for securing  the dog.