Help! Getting rid of matts!!?

Question

I have a male shih tzu and keep his coat medium length. I spend alot of time grooming him, so hes always had a nice smooth coat. However, I have just come back from a 3 week holiday, my parents looked after my dog, and they obviously havn't been grooming him.

I don't want to get him shaved, is there any miracle lotion or brush to get rid of matts? its not severe matting but theres quite alot of it.

Thanks!

Answer 1

LOL No miracles! What I do is wash the dog, and sit for hours dematting with a combination of different combs and brushes under a huge blow dryer. Conditioners that are good for that include All Systems no. 1 for silkier hair, Pantene for silky hair (yes you can use it show people use these things all the time) there is a product called "The Stuff" which helps also. That is a spay on that stays in he coat. There are many other products but stay away from anything that is for a poodle type coat. Don't be afraid to use something like Paul Mitchel the rinse either. Your dog will be fine and you will probably be washing her out in a week again anyway.

Answer 2

There is no miracle - if you want to do this, it's going to take time. You need a good slicker as well as a small pair of scissors.

You need to tackle one mat at a time, teasing it out with the slicker. You need to be careful with this brush because you can cause "slicker burn". The ideal way is to put your fingers under the mat, then brush, so you're actually brushing across your fingers, not his skin.

If you have a mat that's too large, you cut straight up it to split it into manageable sizes, then brush out. You're going to lose some hair this way, but you can salvage most of it and he won't have holes in his coat like he'd have if you just cut out the mats.

Whatever you do, do not bath him before he's de-matted because that will tighten the mats so much you'll likely not get them out.

Answer 3

I have an Afghan Hound which requires many hours of brushing. In between professional grooming appointments, I use thinning shears. The thinning shears break down the mat without having to cut the entire mat out. I hope this helps.

Answer 4

you can try what is called a mat splitter or just start comb a small amount of hair from an area that is not matted. if not then take the dog to a groomer in your area and talk to then and see if they can help you.

Answer 5

Use what humans use. Spritz conditioner. I swear by Infusium. Get a small spritzer bottle and fill it with the Infusium. Be sure to buy the liquid and not the cream conditioner!

Take one mat at a time. Spritz and GENTLY comb out.

Answer 6

You can try to wet a cloth (not dripping, ring it out) with alcohol and rub the mat between the cloth. Try not to get the alcohol on the dogs skin. Gently start to seperate the matt and brush it to detangle it.
I have used this with my Goldens for years and it works.

Answer 7

try johnson n johnsons baby shampoo and a comb...work the mats one at a time, slowly, from the end of the mat to his skin.

Answer 8

I have never had good luck getting rid of matts, I had to take me golden to the groomer and then to the vet, because they were so bad! Sorry, I hope you find something

Answer 9

a mat cutter comb-it has a razor type thingy in it that cuts through the mats as you comb them. just be careful that you do not accidently cut your dog