The degree of matting on dogs depends on the breed. However, not all dogs get tangles and knots. Getting mats out of dog hair is a healthy practice dog owners should embrace.
You may be busy with life activities that need your attention, changing seasons, and forget about the brushing routine. Failing to brush your dog regularly can cause its hair to be matted, which is not something your pet will take kindly. The article will give steps on the best way to remove mats out of dog hair.
1. Gather Your Tools
Getting rid of mats needs your preparation with the right tools such as the dematting tool, slicker brush, and a mat splitter. The most reliable place to find these tools is to visit the nearest pet shop or try one of the online stores.
2. Get the Best Products
Dematting your dog should be easy on you too by getting the best products approved for the job. The best products are those that loosen the pet’s hair by making the knots and tangles soften. After removing the mats, bathe the dog using a favorite shampoo and conditioner. Let your pet relax on a mat specially made for her to calm down after the session.
3. Identify the Mats
It is time to locate and eliminate all the mats and tangles using the slicker brush. Mats will form below the belly, under the neck, along the hind legs, and below the ears.
4. Use a Detangler
Use a recommended detangler and apply to visible matted and tangled areas on the coat. Rub the product gently into the coat to ensure maximum penetration.
5. Use Your Hands
Start by pulling out tangles with your hands as you separate each strand using the fingers one-step at a time. However, monotonous it is, your dog will be happy to have a caring owner when the process is done. Some mats may consume so much of your time with no considerable outcome, use a mat splitting tool and cut through without getting closer to the skin. When cutting follow the direction your pet’s hair grows.
6. Brush Your Pet
When you get satisfied that all the mats and tangles are out of the dog’s hair, it is time to take the slicker brush and start brushing. This could be the best time, to calm your dog by placing it on a cooling mat as you separate hairs from the rest of the tangles. Brush along the direction of hair as you add more detangler and oil to loosen the fur.
7. Bathing the Dog
Give the dog a refreshing bath after the entire process or dematting and detangling. Do not wet the dog before you are sure all the mats and tangles are not on the pet. Wet tangles become tight making the removal process tedious and painful to the animal.
Wash using your favorite shampoo to clean the pet and apply conditioner to ensure that no mats or tangles form soon.
8. Ways to Keep Mats off Your Pets
Prevention of mat and tangles is more realistic if you routinely apply a detangler and oil on the pet’s coat after she is dry. For a dog that loves swimming, use the detangler on it before jumping into the water.
Other Methods of Dealing with Mats
A dog with a neglected coat with a worse case of matting or tangling, you may have to take her to a professional groomer for clipping or shaving. You can do it yourself if you have experience and can handle a pair of clippers well. Visit your veterinarian if you spot some skin irritations and sores due to mats and tangles.
Clipping the coat to a considerable level gives the pet a fresh start, thus preventing mat and tangles from forming.
The best approach, however, is to have the best tools, products and the correct procedures to keep mats out of dog hair. Dogs also feel happy when nothing bothers them above their skin.
Conclusion
Dogs such as Bichon Frise, Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, or any breed with a long coat and shreds heavily are more prone to matting. Dogs hair take the shape of a prickly brush some being pricklier than others, the more the strands in the hair, the more likely you will deal with mats and tangles.
Mats will be evident in many cases involving an active dog due to constant friction in areas such as under the armpit, on the collar, and at points where the lower legs rub each other.
Authors Bio
Mohiuddin is an entrepreneur and a writer. Most of his work revolves around guides that teach pet owners ways to groom and live with their pets. When not writing, he loves to read new things and grow ideas.