Matted dog hair is an experience that owners of long-haired breeds can expect, and it is more than a aesthetic issue. Not only does matted hair look unkempt, it can be painful and unpleasant for your dog. The mats can catch on objects and pull at the skin, causing irritation. If left untreated, mats will begin to spread and are more difficult to eliminate, and daily grooming is an integral part of the care of a long-haired dog.
Although regular brushing and grooming are essential for keeping your coat tangle-free, even the most vigilant dog owners will find matting inevitable. The good news is that using the right gear and method, it's possible to untangle and restore your dog's locks without traumatizing them. This is a step-by-step process on how to do just that.
How to Painlessly Detangle Matted Dog Hair
Step 1: Obtain the Products and Tools Required
To de-mat properly, the right tools are needed. At least a good brush and a metal comb should be available. De-matting brushes and combs are special grooming tools that will take care of even the worst tangles. Most of these tools have metal bristles to address more matted hair. A slicker brush is also a good investment because it is comprised of short, angled metal teeth that are perfect for removing mats.
In addition to combs and brushes, a detangling spray or conditioner can also prove useful. They soften and condition the coat, allowing you to more easily work out mats.
Step 2: Assess the Damage
Before jumping into the detangling process, take some time to assess the mats. Use a metal comb to gently work through your dog’s fur and locate the mats. Areas behind the ears and along the legs are common places for mats to form. Be sure to check how close the mats are to the skin. If they’re close to the skin, it’s important to be extra gentle to avoid causing discomfort or injury.
Step 3: Start Gently with Your Fingers
Use plenty of detangling spray on the mat while being very liberal with the product so that the hair is well saturated. With fingers, work through the mat now, gently teasing out the hairs from the edge of the mat in, patiently as this does take time. Be gentle and do not want to hurt or pull on the skin.
Step 4: Divide the Mat
If the mat is gigantic or very durable, you can split it into smaller sections. Some programs even suggest that you cut out pieces of the mat with scissors to make it easier to deal with. But do not cut too many, or your dog will end up with bald patches. Section work will enable you to get a grip on the grooming process.
Step 5: Brush It Out
After the mat is divided into sections, use a slicker brush to slowly work through the hair. Start at the foundation of the mat and keep it taut to prevent yanking on your dog's skin. Brush in the direction of hair growth, and hold your hand against your dog's skin as a barrier so your dog won't feel the bristles. This process can be time-consuming, so be slow and gentle.
After you’ve successfully removed the mat, follow up by brushing your dog’s entire coat to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated.
Step 6: Bath Time
To prevent the mats from coming back soon, bathe your dog after mat removal. Mats are usually brought about by dirt and dirt, so a good wash will keep the fur clean and free from tangles. Make sure to use a mild shampoo and conditioner in order not to cause any irritation to your dog's skin. The conditioner will also smoothen the fur and prevent matting in the future.
What If Untangling Doesn't Work
In some cases, mats can be too stubborn to untangle by yourself. If you’re having difficulty, consider seeking help from a professional groomer. Groomers have specialized tools and experience to handle severe matting more efficiently.
As a final resort, shaving the mat off can become necessary. Extremely matted fur can cause a variety of health issues, such as skin irritation, sores, and even infections because of limited air circulation under the mat. Shaving is a last resort option, and although it will fix the short-term problem, it will give your dog a bald spot.
How to Shave a Dog With Matted Hair
If detangling has been done and there are still mats remaining, shaving can be the last resort. But keep in mind that shaving results in bald patches, so it is to be resorted to only when absolutely necessary.
Employing Electric Clippers
Electric clippers are the most efficient and best means of shaving matted fur. They can cut through dense tangles safely and easily. Start by carefully pulling the mat off your dog's skin as much as you can so that you won't cause him pain or discomfort. Grab the teeth of the clipper and use them to shave through the mat beginning from the bottom and moving upwards towards the tips of the fur, slowly peeling the mat away.
Using Scissors
Do not cut out mats with scissors unless you are experienced with dog grooming. Scissors are dangerous if misused, as you can easily cut the dog's skin. If you can safely use scissors, cut out small sections of the mat slowly, moving slowly and not making sudden motions.
Tips for Avoiding Tangled Dog Hair
Once you have successfully detangled your dog's coat, prevention is the way to go. Some of your guidelines on maintaining your dog's coat tangle-free are as follows:
Brush Before Bathing: Brushing your dog after a bath is the most common mistake because the hair is wet and prone to matting. Brush your dog well before bathing them in a way that you won't worsen the mats.
Avoid Excess Rubbing: When drying your dog, avoid rubbing their fur with a towel. Instead, gently pat the fur dry to reduce friction, which can cause mats to form. Alternatively, consider investing in a handheld air dryer for a gentler drying method.
Comb Weekly: Mats are avoided by regular grooming. Brush and comb your dog's coat every week, using a fine-tooth comb to reach further in the coat and work out any tangles near the roots.
Loathed matted canine hair is an agonizing issue, but with the right tools and equipment, it need not be a daunting problem. With these steps and proper techniques, you can keep your dog's wonderful and healthy coat intact. Regular grooming and preventive measures will work very far in mat prevention, keeping your dog always comfortable and knot-free
