I just took my dog back from my brother(who lives in the country, thats why he had him) but he's SUPER MATTED. like his ears are conjoined to his neck in matts, his legs have matts under them by the groin and chest and his legs are fairly tangled. Im afraid to take him to a groomer because hes 16. How(if possible) can i groom him myself? Hes an English Cocker Spaniel.
2007-07-13 20:59:58 · 13 answers · asked by bethan 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Ive been trying to cut him litle by little and I have his outward coat a little better, but he gets gittery and squirmy after about 10 min. I don't want to stress him out, so I let his up(and hes squirming so i don't want to cut him)
2007-07-13 21:14:30 · update #1
Take the poor dog to a professional groomer, one with the experience, training, and proper clippers (NOT SCISSORS!) to do the job properly!
The process will be quicker than doing it youself and MUCH less stressful for the dog.
And smack your brother for allowing the dog to become so matted!
2007-07-14 15:02:45 · answer #1 · answered by Dnomler 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get a dog clipper and carefully shave the dog. Cutting with scissors is dangerous...you could cut his skin. Using a clipper can run the risk of cutting the dog as well...depending on how tight the matting is. Using a # 7 or #10 blade will work the best at getting under the matts to the skin. Good luck!
2007-07-14 04:12:49 · answer #2 · answered by ♥ Liz ♫ 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I would suggest taking him to a groomers they will trim him down past the matts and as long as you keep up on his grooming regularly you shouldn't have any problems.
I had the same problem with my dog when we got him and had to have him shaved now with regular brushing we can do the grooming ourselves.
2007-07-14 09:13:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like Chetco says, do it with scissors. We used to have a Lhaso Apso/poodle mix and we lived in the country and he loved to run around and have fun. He would come back with all sorts of stuff stuck in his fur. I started just cutting his fur with scissors and kept it cut short in the summer. He would stand so still and let me cut away. It actually looked pretty good when I got thru.
2007-07-14 06:44:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It might be possible to gently and slowly comb the matts out with a metal comb or pick. If you're going to attempt this, then you might want to have your dog lay down, and like I said, do it slowly; be patient. The last thing you want is to tear your dogs fur out and stress the poor thing out even more. Hair needs to be teased apart in short brushes, not dragged out. Putting in some type of conditioner while bathing my help keep the hair from matting again. However, if the matts are too large and you don't think they can be taken out, then you may want to shave them off. It'll be less stressfull on the dog, and this way, his hair can grow back in nicely. Be sure to comb to keep from matting again. Also, do not bathe the dog until the matts are gone, either by combing or shaving, as getting him wet will only make it worse and possibly smellier. Be sure to give him a treat once your done! :]
2007-07-14 04:11:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
Carfully cut of the major matted parts, and go buy some dog shampoo that is specifically for matted fur and de-tangling. Taking him to the groomers would be perfectly fine though, they are trained for that stuff and they work with dogs of all breeds and ages.
2007-07-14 04:17:06 · answer #6 · answered by Kaysey 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
you should take him to a groomer and let them take care of the mats. If he's that badly matted it may be hard to tell where skin and hair meet and you could end up cutting him. A groomer will be able to take care of those mats.
2007-07-14 04:05:17 · answer #7 · answered by Nekkid Truth! 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Just sit down with him and a good pair of scissors. You won't be able to save the coat without causing a lot of stress and pain, so just scissor if off, a little at a time. Cockers are cute clipped short. It will grow back pretty.
A veterinary clinic can also 'clipper' him short, giving a mild sedative, and will do so, as it affects his health...big time. There are sores under the mats.
2007-07-14 04:07:07 · answer #8 · answered by Chetco 7 · 0⤊ 4⤋
dog stores have special matting tools for dogs ( i found this out while trying to find something to get my 17 year old cats fur unmatted) I would not recommend cutting to close to the skin --I accidentally clipped my cats skin one time--felt horrible. You may try working it out with your fingers a little - i have done this a little with my cat and seems to work --just keep spreading the fur apart little by little. If all else fails you may have to take him and get him groomed.
2007-07-14 04:30:46 · answer #9 · answered by ginger 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
if he is that bd he either needs a groomer or take him to the vet and they can give him something to relax him.
When they are tha matted you can't just cut it needs t be shaved.
This type of matting can cause serious skin problems so please get it done
2007-07-14 06:34:25 · answer #10 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋