Removing Matts on Dogs

Before I discuss the tricks used to remove matts on your dog I
must emphasize a few things. If your dog is badly matted or
the matts are close to the skin I strongly recommend you take
your dog to a professional to have him groomed. I also recommend
a professional if your dog is elderly or can not tolerate being
brushed.

Having said that let’s talk matts.

There are certain areas of your dog that I would not recommend
de-matting. Some dog groomers refer to them as the sensitive
areas. They are located between the back legs, under the
armpits, on the belly, and under the tail. These areas I would
recommend that you clip with a #10 or #15 blade. One of the most
common areas for a dog to matt is around and behind the ear.
This happens because this is the most popular petting spot. The
area behind the ear has very thin skin and can be very hazardous
to de-matt. If gentle brushing does not remove the matt you can
cut the length of the matt in half and try again to brush it
out. To make sure you do not cut your dogs ear try holding the
matt with your finger tips at the skin and then cut the matt in
half. Now try gentle brushing. If this still does not remove the
matt it may be time to use clippers.

Matts can occur
anywhere on your dog. One way to remove them is to take a pair
of scissors and put the blade between the skin and the matt.
With the sharp side away from the skin you can either use a
sawing motion to cut through the matt or you can simply cut it
in several places parallel to the direction of hair growth. Try
again to brush the matt out.

There are several
de-matting combs on the market. All of these work well but you
should be careful when using them. Take the de-matting comb and
comb it under the matted area. When it catches a matt, use a
sawing motion to cut through the matt. Try to limit the pulling
motion because most dogs do not like it.

If your dogs
tail has matts you can use either method above to remove them.
Before cutting the tail try to gently brush it out. If the matts
are too extensive, either cut through the matts parallel to the
direction of hair growth and then attempt to brush them out or
shorten the entire length of the tail. Simply hold the tip of
your dogs tail and shorten the entire length by cutting parallel
with the tail. If the matts are hanging from the tail in
different places you should be cutting them in half with this
method. When you have removed all the matts from the tail and
after you have bathed and dried him you can go back and even up
any long hair.

    If you are uncertain about shaving the
sensitive areas, the pads of the feet or shaving matts from
around the ears, some grooming shops will shave just these areas
for a small fee.

During any dog grooming session you
should praise your dog but especially while brushing them. Most
dogs do not like to be brushed and they need the added
reinforcement when they are tolerating it.