What to break up mats?

• 10-13-2009 2:35 PM

  griffinej5 Joined on 09-10-2007 Pa Posts 2,775 Points 60

  What to break up mats? Reply Contact  We have a new dog who is a poodle mix, supposedly with yorkie. She was washed twice without being brushed first, and has some significant matting. I brushed most of the matting out of her back with Luke's pin brush. I didn't even try brushing out her legs, the mats are tighter, and I felt like I was going to pull too hard with the pin brush. Is there something I should try to get those out, a certain brush, a conditioner, anything else that might work? Or should I just wait, she's going to the groomer some time in the next week or so, and I guess if they have to, they'll just shave down her legs. Emperor of the Markie Fan Club

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• 10-13-2009 2:37 PM

  In reply to griffinej5

  BEVOLASVEGAS Joined on 07-10-2006 Texas Posts 7,939 Points 940	Re: What to break up mats? Reply Contact When I got Angel she had some matting.  I used de-tangler spray for kids to help get them loose.  It worked pretty well & didn't seem to irritate her skin. Amanda
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• 10-13-2009 2:43 PM

  In reply to BEVOLASVEGAS

  glenmar Joined on 09-10-2007 The Florida Panhandle Posts 13,489 Points 405	Re: What to break up mats? Reply Contact Just what I was going to suggest.  The detangler stuff for little ones worked great on the cockers. A house without fur is not a home. Glenda ,
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• 10-13-2009 3:08 PM

  In reply to griffinej5

  spiritdogs Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 11,726 Points 1,020

  Re: What to break up mats? Reply Contact Dematting comb http://www.dog.com/item/therapet-dematting-comb-straight/193004/ Universal slicker http://www.dog.com/item/universal-slicker-brush/190101/ Poodle comb http://www.dog.com/item/cocker-poodle-comb/190107/ Regular comb http://www.dog.com/item/safari-7-1-4-inch-medium-coarse-comb-model-556/190301/   If the mats are very close to the skin, it might be better to shave and start over.  De-matting is very stressful to some dogs.  Anyway, you always hold the hair next to the dogs skin so that any pulling you do will not pull the skin.  So, if you can't get between the mat and the skin, you can see how it would be pretty hard to do the job comfortably for the dog. Article on dematting: http://www.bichonfriseusa.com/ref/demattingbbird.htm     Regional Director for Massachusetts, International Positive Dog Training Association Director, SeniorCare Pawsitive Connections Program AKC CGC Evaluator #3669 Therapy Dogs, Inc. Tester/Observer Sioux, CGC, TDInc. Maska, CGC, TDInc. Sequoyah, CGC Fergie, Retired Lap Dog, Age 20 1/2 Dancer, CGC, TDInc. (1989-2006) #1 Heart Dog In memory of Mike, please become an organ donor today. "If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys." - Chief Dan George "The fidelity of a dog is a precious gift demanding no less binding moral responsibilities than the friendship of a human being. The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be." ~ Konrad Lorenz

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• 10-13-2009 6:53 PM

  In reply to spiritdogs

  Liesje Joined on 03-02-2007 Posts 9,907 Points 655

  Re: What to break up mats? Reply Contact  I use a de-matting blade tool and a pin brush on Coke.  If the mats are really tight or close to the skin, I cut them off.  He gets frequent mats in his private area and behind his ears, so I proactively cut this hair off.  You cannot see it anyway, the area behind his ears is covered b/c his ears fold over. http://vankelderdogs.dutchbingo.net http://www.schhmi.com

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• 10-13-2009 11:11 PM

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  jennie_c_d Joined on 09-10-2007 Southeast Georgia Posts 11,083 Points 265	Re: What to break up mats? Reply Contact  Personally, I'd have the dog shaved and start over. I'm weird, like that, though. I *hate* dematting dogs.
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• 10-13-2009 11:38 PM

  In reply to jennie_c_d

  griffinej5 Joined on 09-10-2007 Pa Posts 2,775 Points 60

  Re: What to break up mats? Reply Contact  Honestly, she doesn't seem to mind it. Once I was done yesterday, she came over and laid on me, so I'd say she's ok about it. Not thrilled, but deals with it ok. I got a good deal out with the pin brush, and I'm sure the groomer is more comfortable with doing it than I am, but her legs I'm nervous to try to comb out. Until Luke, we've always had short haired dogs, and I've had no problems with him since I don't go to bed without at least running the brush through the spots that would be prone to matting. I know poodles have to get their hair cut, but I have no clue about yorkies. Her hair is definitely more poodle like, and I only know that she has yorkie in her because that was what was claimed.  Emperor of the Markie Fan Club

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• 10-13-2009 11:39 PM

  In reply to griffinej5

  jennie_c_d Joined on 09-10-2007 Southeast Georgia Posts 11,083 Points 265	Re: What to break up mats? Reply Contact  Yorkie hair grows continuously, like Poodle and human hair It has to be trimmed, as well.
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• 10-14-2009 11:13 AM

  In reply to jennie_c_d

  shadowsgin Joined on 03-06-2007 N.W. Arkansas Posts 2,081 Points 425

  Re: What to break up mats? Reply Contact Hot Shot is my first long haired dog....ever!  He gets matted behind the ears so easily.  When we first got him it was horrible all over his body but I brush him often now.   He absolutely loves it but.... I cant keep the mats down from his ears, I tried to keep the hair shorter there but still gets matted and it almost seems harder to get those mats out than when the hair is longer.   Of course the cockle burrs that get wrapped up in his hair doesnt help.   I have never used a detangler before, he wont stand for electric shaver and I am afraid to use a blade cause it is so close to the skin.  Really I guess my biggest problem is not knowing exactly how to trim or groom a Berner like him.

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