Matting Fur

Retired NY writes:
We have a 1 yr old Bichon. She has a very heavy and thick coat. Lately she has had a problem with scratching. Now that I think we have solved the problem with the scratching, she ended up with a lot of fur matting.
We have tried to comb and brush these out but they do not come out easy.
Does anyone know of anything that can be put on the fur that will make them comb out easier? Bill

Paula responds:

Bill,
A Bichon's hair is just like ours and requires constant maintenance. Washing regularly and using a conditioner will help, as well as, regular brushing. I keep my dogs cut short in the summer and let the hair grow out in the winter. But it is a full time job.
Good luck!
Paula

Jean responds:

Bill,
We got a product, and I can't remember the name of it now, but it was used to detangle a mat. You will also have to get the special mat comb (made by Oster) to break them up. Most of the matting is loose old fur that gets tangled into the attached fur and creates the mat.

We used the product with the comb and always had good results with it.

The special mat comb can be found in most pet shops but I do recall we did get the detangling product at a specialty pet store.

Jean

Megan responds/asks:

I have been noticing a lot matting recently, also. I washed him and used a conditioner this time and it helped me brush them out. What does the de-matting comb look like? I am almost to the point where I am going to have the groomer shave him down just to help alleviate the mats. Right now I am using a comb and a pin brush. I feel that I am hurting him too much. If you have any specific names of products, I would appreciate it.
Also, when is the best time to groom the dog? While he is still wet? Please help!

Allanna responds:

Hi Megan

I noticed an anti-matting comb in the pet store the other day for the first time - it has 4 or 5 long teeth spread widely apart and up at the top there seems to be a slanted razor. I was thinking of getting it for Gucci because he absolutely hates being combed and all but attacks when he sees the brush coming. Now, I trim him myself and manage to cut the mats when I see them so they don't get worse. Allanna

Matilda responds:


Our Bichon will be a year old soon as well. So far we haven't had too much problem with mats. But as a previous Maltese owner, I have had much experience with mats and I've found several different methods for removing them.

First of all, if it is at all possible, comb through the dogs hair and make sure there are no mats to begin with before bathing him. Water has a way of making mats much worse then they were to start out with. If you just cant get them out, shampoo the dog as you normally would, but instead of scrubbing the hair, gently work the lather to the ends of the hair starting at the neck and going toward the rump. This keeps mats from getting worse during the shampoo process.

Next rinse out the shampoo and put a good conditioner or creme rinse on the hair. We like the Petco Oatmeal Protein conditioner, but there are lots of different types out there. Don't overdo the conditioner though. Too much will weigh your puppies hair down and can make it look dirty again quickly. The longer you leave the conditioner on, the better. I usually leave it on about five minutes. In the mean time I try to find the mats and work some conditioner into them and see if I can't gently work them out with my fingers. This is a lot easier than trying to work out wet mats after a bath. Sometimes I will use a wide tooth comb to try and work them out. The conditioner really helps to loosen things up and protects the hair from tearing while you are undoing the mat.

After five minutes or so, rinse the dogs hair thoroughly and then very carefully towel dry, again to prevent further mats. Blow drying can help prevent mats too, though in the summer I prefer to brush the dog out in front of the fan. Either way, a buzzing and rolling wet dog is a quick way to lots of mats. So it's not a great idea to let your dog's fur dry naturally if it is more than an inch or so long. After the hair is completely dry, sit the dog down and work out any leftover mats with a comb. I would save the dematting comb as a last resort because it can tear the hair if you aren't very careful.

Make dematting a part of your spare time. Work out mats while you are watching tv or before bed. This prevents big buildups from happening.

Well I've written my four page essay for the week, LOL. Hope it is of some help. Good luck!