Grooming newbie- Dealing with matts
OK, my wife's dog has tons of matts down next to his skin. I mean basically his whole body is covered! I know it's our fault for letting things go this far but I am concerned, but maybe I'm worrying about nothing. The obvious question would be, should we just shave him down but is there another option? Is there any health risk leaving matts for too long? It would be impossible for us to comb these out! 80 My thoughts are just shave him down and then MAKE SURE we follow a regular grooming schedule as it grows back. I hear that dematting can be painful and besides, it's awfully hot outside these days and he would probably enjoy it. 
Thanks for any expert advice! Myles |
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| You've got great instincts!
The matts are not healthy for the skin (no airflow, hides critters, can pull, etc.) and with mats that extensive, dematting would be slow and painful. Your best bet is to shave and start over. When it starts to grow back, you'll be tempted to just let it go because it is so short but that's a great time to start getting in the habit of brushing and combing. It will be easier on both of you and then you'll learn as it grows. I just shaved my Maggie because she was thoroughly matted and she is really enjoying being naked. It grows in fast, too. Good luck! |
| Thanks for the advice!
Keno seems unconfortable and hot so looks like this is the answer and i'm sure he'll love it! Indeed, we have both been so busy that I think what we'll have to do is start brushing while his haie is short like you say, then when it starts to grow, take him to a groomer on a regular schedule as it seems like time is at a premiun these days.
Myles |
Shave him down. We regularly shave ours down but you do have to keep up the brushing even when the hair is short to avoid mats. If you don't get rid of the mats hot spots/irritation sores can develop. He will be a lot cooler without the hair and I find that ours have much more bounce and energy when they have their hair shorter. Be prepared though - they can look "nekkid" without their fur.  |
| It sucks, but like others have suggested, just shave him. When there's that many and they're close to the skin, it's a long, uncomfortable (if not painful process) for the dog.
I'm not a fan of shaving, myself but here's the biggest pro in doing it. I cut Clyde down a few months ago when we got out Komondor pup. They were playing so hard, he was matting like crazy so I thought it would be easier on him so he could play and I wouldn't be chasing him with a brush. I bit the bullet and had him clipped. I was pretty bummed at first but now, a a little over 3 months later, his coat is coming so beautifully that I'm almost glad that I did it. He's about 4 inches now without a tangle on him and everything is nice and even. He's going to look awesome when his hair grows longer. It made the shaving all worthwhile! |
| If he's anything like Dawn right now...he is doing what we call "blowing coat" or changing from his puppy coat to his more coarse adult coat...look at the bottom of the black hair next to the skin if you can??? lol You should see a line of gray hair growing in.
Carl will kill me for saying this but Yep...shave him. You aren't showing and it is a MAJOR undertaking to get the matts out. After he is done start getting into a regular brushing routine...a few minutes each day..even while he is in shorter coat. It will really make a HUGE difference! Best of luck! |
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