How do I stop my Maltese's fur from getting so matted?

Question

I brush her everyday, but she still has them. I don't know what else to do but to her shaved.

Answer 1

How old is she? If she's a puppy changing to her adult coat, her coat will be harder to look after, you jsut need to persist.

Are you using a pin brush and, using the line brushing technique, making sure you get down to the skin. A maltese should (unless changing coat) only need grooming once a week if it's thorough.

Perhaps you can get her breeder to show you how to groom her because it would be a shame to shave a maltese and lose that gorgeous coat!

Answer 2

It is normal for her to be matted the very next day after brushing. Maltese hair does that. Trust me. I know. And I am also a groomer and dog trainer.

It's good you're brushing her every day. These breeds need it. You're really not doing anything wrong. The matting is normal. Try going into the cat section of the pet store and get the softest slicker brush you can find. The cat section seems to have more cushioned ones. I never buy a brush without feeling it first. Keep brushing her everyday. This will help you bond and stimulate blow flow to the skin and help with replenishing oils lost during shampooing.

I know a man (70 years old) who has always had malteses. He swares by corn starch. After bathing he rubs a little into the fur brushes and blow dries. He swares this helps keep the mats from forming. I've never tried it, though so I don't have first hand experience. Make sure you're using a good conditioner, too.

Answer 3

I use to groom dogs for a living. Maltese's were one I saw and did frequently! To be honest the thing we had the most sucess with was a shampoo for this breed of dog. One that had anti-mat conditioner already in it. Then once you washed the dog with that I would go one step further and also apply a condiment size cup amount of conditioner that was anti-mat as well. That way when I went to brush the dog out the mats came out easily! Also it is much easier to brush them out when the fur is dry. Not wet! So wait after the bath until they are dry. Also make sure you have a good brush! If you don't you make the job far harder.

Unfortunately Maltese's fur is so thin and whispy that they always seem to mat really bad unless you wash this way and brush them out weekly at the most. If you can't invest this sort of time I would suggest, shaving the hair to a managable level, or just taking them to a pet grooming salon once a week.

Answer 4

I have a 1.5 year old Maltese. He's got more of a cottony coat than a silky, and from my experience, the ones with the cottony coat will mat more.

I also have problems with matting, but shampooing and conditioning every week really has helped me! Also, I use a spray on conditioner when I brush. Never brush dry! Using the right shampoo and conditioner can really help.

Here is an excellent community where Maltese owners get together to share general information and experience with their babies. Check out the grooming section, as it's very very helpful!
If you'd like to know details on the type of products that I use for my Malt., you're welcome to email me.

http://www.spoiledmaltese.com/forum

Answer 5

There is a special kind of brush you can buy from you local pet store or vet. It costs about $50 where I live, but it works like magic! Its a yellow brush, its amazing. It takes out the dead fur thats loose, and kinda conditions the fur as it goes through it. I cant remember the name, but its yellow. I have a dog who hates being brushed, but when I used this brush, she loved it! The best brush in the world, I think, and so do my pomeranians! It works with any fur!!

Answer 6

I have worked with animals for over 2 years. I would suggest that you keep up the regular brushing and make sure you are keeping him/her groomed regularly. Also...Try some of the Dog conditioner when you bath him/her and I would also suggest maybe feeling him/her some sort Of Lamb and Rice dog food. Lamb and Rice is used to help keep a healthy coat :) Hope it helps But please dont shave it..just take it to the groomer and maybe they can give you some more suggestions other then conditioner and lamb and rice food..My favorite brand is science diet

Answer 7

Can you answer a few question? I'm a professional groomer
What kind of brush are you using?
Do you follow up with a "greyhound" comb?
Do you bath the dog with mats?
How do you dry the dog?
How often are you having her groomed by a pro?
Thanks
DF

Answer 8

Hiya we have the worlds only all bichons breeds global forum and its free to join with lots of tips on health, grooming and so much more.
Firsty invest in a good detangle spray we recommend several we have used on the site.
Combing is what it will take but look at the site and see what our breeders and owners say.
www.eurobichons.com

Answer 9

give fish oil or flaxseed oil or similar supplements which are rich in omega fatty acids 3,6,9. It helps to promote healthy skin and shiny coat.

Omega fatty acids have other uses too, like to promote healthy nerve systems, brain etc.


Use leave on conditioner spray often to untangle.

Answer 10

Have her groomed regularly - keep her coat short, you'll both be much happier. It's no treat for you or the dog to have to battle the matts every day.