Easy Ways to Deal With Matted Dog Hair

Matted canine hair is the worst! It’s ugly, soiled, typically painful, and as soon as matted canine hair begins it could snowball uncontrolled and grow to be a well being challenge.

I used to babysit a brother-sister Blue Picardy Spaniel workforce. These regal canines have luscious, wavy feathering on their legs, underside and tail. This breed can also be a ball of vitality! Add that superb feathered coat after an extended hike with operating and romping via streams, and you’ve got your self some critical matted canine hair!

The kicker — the siblings’ of us have been adamant that their fur couldn’t be lower. I’d attempt to assist by brushing them after our out of doors adventures, however I felt dangerous for the groomer after I’d drop them off and must remind the workers, “No chopping!” Like magic, these two pups would come again with silky, mat-free feathers. How did these groomers take care of all that matted canine hair? Patience, the appropriate instruments, talent and assist from vigilant canine mother and father.

What You Must Know About Dealing With Matted Dog Hair

Here are some grooming ideas for coping with matted canine hair:

1. First, practice your canine to get pleasure from grooming so he’ll stand nonetheless lengthy sufficient to get the mats out! Start brushing your pup when he’s younger, even when he doesn’t want it. Hand out reward and high-value treats so he can affiliate grooming with comfortable issues.
2. Pay shut consideration to areas that mat simply: behind the ears and legs, within the armpits, on the undercarriage and the place his collar or halter rubs.
3. Keep matted canine hair from forming. A detangler cream or spray helps forestall fur from getting clumped up and can be utilized earlier than your pup jumps right into a river or lake to make the post-swim brushout simpler. Use solely merchandise particularly made for canines.
4. If your pup’s coat has gotten severely matted or hasn’t been cared for shortly, make a journey to the veterinarian. An uncared-for coat and intensely matted canine hair may cause pores and skin irritation or an infection that must be handled by a medical skilled.
5. To be taught the finest technique to brush out your pup and type of brush to make use of, discuss to your groomer. Your groomer can be comfortable to share, as the higher you’re at each day grooming the simpler her job is.
6. Don’t ignore the paws. Hair that grows in between the pads can get matted. Keep that hair quick. If you want a touch-up between skilled grooming, then purchase some canine clippers. They’re simpler than scissors in your canine’s delicate paw pads.
7. Clippers are additionally helpful to maintain a pup’s rear finish neat and clear. Between sitting and pooping, that space can get messy quick. A clear space across the anus is value just a little embarrassment between you and your canine.
8. A great food plan helps him have a wholesome coat that’s much less more likely to imply matted canine hair. Look for omega-3 or fish oil in your pup’s meals and dietary supplements. Of course, seek the advice of a vet to be taught the very best quantity to be giving your canine.

Professional Groomers on Dealing With Matted Dog Hair

1. Deana Mazurkiewicz IGMS, NCMG, IFMS President, Intellectual Groomers Association and Master Stylist at Pawsh By Deana in Zephyrhills, Florida. fb.com/intgroome

1. Never bathe your canine if he has mats or tangled hair. Water acts as a sponge and solely makes them tighter.
2. Use corn starch to assist loosen matted canine hair. Rub some into the mat to assist loosen, then brush out.
3. Don’t assume that conditioner will take away or loosen mats. They have to be brushed and combed out completely earlier than the tub.
4. NEVER attempt to lower out matted canine hair. The mats could also be tighter than you suppose or have the pores and skin caught up in them, and you may simply lower your pet.

2. Windmere Kennels, St. Charles, Michigan; fb.com/Windmerekennels

1. Brush! Dogs like Poodles and Goldendoodles which can be thought-about non-shedding don’t shed the lifeless hair on their very own, they need assistance by brushing a minimal of twice every week with a very good slicker brush.
2. Regular visits to knowledgeable groomer is a should to stave off matted canine hair! Every six to eight weeks is really useful.
3. Mats start on the base and never on the prime of the hair. While your canine may look to be mat free, get your fingers down into the nape of the hair to really feel for any tangles and snarls. Catching a possible mat earlier than it occurs makes eradicating it a lot simpler.
4. Do analysis in your breed’s particular wants for correct grooming. Depending in your breed, the coat or hair would require totally different practices to maintain it wholesome and vibrant.

3. Vanessa Hoyt, Groomer Girls Pet Salon, Lawrenceville Georgia. Facebook.com/groomergirlspetsalon

1. Always work on small sections, from the ends of the hair working your approach as much as the pores and skin.
2. Always use a very good conditioner. Dematting may cause main breakage even when performed appropriately.
3. Always use cooler heat water as a fast rinse as the very last thing you do within the tub. This will assist seal the hair shafts. Warmer water leaves them open, making the hair liable to breakage and injury. Broken and broken hair tangles faster.
4. Always use a ending conditioning spray.

Top {photograph}: ©Tierfotoagentur | Alamy Stock Photo.

Originally printed on March 27, 2018.

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