If you have a dog with long or curly fur, you probably know the struggle of dealing with mats. Mats are clumps of tangled fur that can form anywhere on your dog's body, but especially in areas where there is friction, such as under the collar, behind the ears, or between the legs. Mats can cause discomfort, pain, skin irritation, and even infection for your dog. They can also make grooming a nightmare for you and your pup.
But don't worry, there is a way to get rid of mats without hurting your dog or cutting off their beautiful coat. In this blog post, we will share some tips and tricks on how to demat your dog's fur safely and comfortably. Let's get started!
What Causes Mats and How to Prevent Them?
Mats are caused by dead hair that gets trapped in the live hair and forms knots. This can happen for various reasons, such as:
- Lack of regular brushing and grooming
- Seasonal shedding
- Moisture from bathing or swimming
- Friction from collars, harnesses, or clothing
- Allergies or skin conditions
The best way to prevent mats is to brush your dog regularly with a suitable brush for their coat type. You should also bathe your dog as needed with a gentle shampoo and conditioner, and dry their coat thoroughly afterwards. Avoid using products that can dry out or irritate your dog's skin, such as alcohol or harsh chemicals.
If your dog has a thick or double coat, you may also want to use a deshedding tool or an undercoat rake to remove loose hair from the undercoat. This will help prevent mats from forming in the first place.
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What Tools and Products You Need to Demat Your Dog's Fur?
To demat your dog's fur, you will need some tools and products that can help you detangle the knots without pulling or cutting the hair. Here are some of the most common ones:
- A DEMATTING COMB OR RAKE: This is a tool with sharp blades or teeth that can cut through the mats and separate them from the live hair. It is designed to be gentle on the skin and effective on the knots. You can find different types of dematting combs or rakes online or in pet stores.
- A SLICKER BRUSH: This is a brush with fine wire pins that can smooth out the coat and remove any loose hair or debris. It is ideal for dogs with medium to long hair.
- A DETANGLING SPRAY OR CONDITIONER: This is a product that can moisturize and soften the coat and make it easier to comb through. It can also reduce static electricity and prevent further tangling. Watch out on our Instagram we are launching something special for your dog to overcome tangling.
- A PAIR OF SCISSORS: This is a tool that you may need to use in case of severe matting that cannot be removed with a comb or rake. You should use scissors with blunt tips or rounded edges to avoid injuring your dog's skin.
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HOW TO DEMAT YOUR DOG'S FUR STEP BY STEP?
Now that you have the tools and products ready, it's time to demat your dog's fur. Here are the steps to follow:
- Find a comfortable spot for you and your dog. You may want to use a table, a mat, or a towel to keep your dog steady and protect the surface from hair.
- After shampooing, apply a detangling conditioner on your dog and rinse it. This will help loosen the knots and make them easier to comb out.
- Start with a slicker brush and gently brush your dog's coat in the direction of hair growth. This will remove any loose hair or debris and prepare the coat for dematting.
- Locate the mats on your dog's body and isolate them with your fingers. Hold the mat at its base, close to the skin, to avoid pulling or hurting your dog.
- Use a dematting comb or rake and gently work through the mat from the outside in. Use short strokes and be careful not to cut too close to the skin. If the mat is too tight or large, you may need to use scissors to cut it into smaller sections first.
- Repeat the process until all the mats are gone. Check your dog's skin for any signs of irritation, redness, or injury.
- Finish with another round of brushing with a slicker brush to smooth out the coat and remove any remaining tangles.
- Reward your dog with praise, treats, and cuddles for being a good sport.
HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR DOG'S COAT AFTER DEMATTING?
- Brush your dog regularly with a suitable brush for their coat type. Depending on your dog's breed and hair length, you may need to brush them daily, weekly, or biweekly.
- Bathe your dog as needed with a gentle shampoo and conditioner, and dry their coat thoroughly afterwards. Avoid bathing your dog too often, as this can strip their natural oils and cause dryness and matting.
- Trim your dog's coat if necessary, especially in areas that are prone to matting, such as under the collar, behind the ears, or between the legs. You can use scissors or clippers to do this, or take your dog to a professional groomer.
- Check your dog's coat for any signs of matting regularly, and address them as soon as possible. The sooner you catch a mat, the easier it will be to remove it.
Dematting your dog's fur can be a challenging task, but it doesn't have to be a painful one. With the right tools and techniques, you can demat your dog's fur without hurting them or damaging their coat. Your dog will thank you for it!
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Source:
1) Why Your Dog's Coat Gets Matted — and What You Can Do About It. https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/why-your-dogs-coat-gets-matted-what-to-do-about-mats.
2) How to Stop Dog Hair from Matting – HairstyleCamp. https://hairstylecamp.com/how-to-stop-dog-hair-from-matting/.
3) The Best Dog Dematting Tools: What to Use & Why They Work - Rover.com. https://www.rover.com/blog/dog-dematting-tools/.
