what to use for dog matting?

Question

I have a maltese dog and his hair is starting to matt. I brush
him regularly but his hair is still matting. Is there anything to
use to help this?

Answer 1

Do you bathe your dog as well? The matting problem may be from the product you use and the way you dry your dogs hair or massage the shampoo in. If you use circular motions it tends to knot that fine hair. Use a conditioning shampoo. When you dry your dog, don't do it like you might dry your own hair, rubbing briskly and in a way that could also mat the dog's hair. Get a soft slicker brush and make sure you are brushing through to the skin without brushing too hard against the skin. A conditioning product for dogs should help. Pet stores sell mat splitters that can split a mat before it gets too bad and you can then work it out with the slicker brush.

Answer 2

Sorry to tell you but this is what happens if you don't comb out the dog completely before washing. Usually the matts will form very close to the skin and are painful to try and remove by combing or brushing. You have a couple of choices on how to proceed. You can purchase a matt comb. Basically this is several curved blades on a handle that slice through the matts and break them up. It can be dangerous to use and you can cut yourself or the dog. After all the matts are busted up you can comb out the dog. You can also purchase some matt creme and work it into each matt and attempt to comb thorough each one. Start at the bottom of the matt and work your way to the skin. This is extremely time consuming. Or you can shave off the coat and start over. Shaving off the coat is the fastest and least stressful for the dog. And unless your dog has serious endocrine system problems, the coat will grow back. You can attempt to do this at home by purchasing a professional clipper and blade. Plan to spend about $250 for the clipper and a #7 blade. A #7 is short but you should be able to get under any matt with that blade. The easiest option for you is to take the dog to a professional groomer and have them do the job. And once your dog is shaved and lovely again.... buy a metal grooming comb and use it at least once a week. Never wash a long haired dog that hasn't been completely combed out. The result is a huge mess.

Answer 3

Some dog's hair just has the tendency to mat. I would bathe the dog on a weekly basis (some say that's too often) and use a conditioner or detangler. Brush it on a daily basis and try to keep it trimmed short-ish.... although maltese are supposed to have longer hair.

I'd probably call a groomer that I trusted and get a recommendation from them.

Good luck!

Answer 4

See if you can find a groomer, or better yet someone who breeds maltese or dogs with a similar coat to show you how to brush properly. If you are like most pet owners, you are just brushing the top of the coat, and the underneath is what is getting matted.

Places like the groin, armpits and behind the ears are especially sensitive and matt easily, so if you can't keep on top of them you might have a groomer shave the tummy and "armpits" rather than try to brush out the matts. Watch between the toes as well!

Answer 5

This stuff is awesome, it's called Cowboy Magic detangler and shine. I use it on my horse that mats just fall out and the burs as well. Used on the dogs and myself. Love it, I've tried baby oil, Johnsons detangler and they worked but not that well.
Also when using this product I only use about a quarter size of the liquid in the horse mane. So you don't use much at all.

Answer 6

How are you brushing him??
they have layered hair and need ot be brushed in layers.
What are you using for the gooming and wher are the mats. email me and maybe I can help you

Answer 7

http://www.bhejei.com/groom-basic.htm

http://www.annasheavenlymaltese.com/maltese_grooming.html


http://www.kellyco.com/maltese/maltese-faq-ii.shtml

http://www.magicdreamskennel.com/maltesecare.htm


http://www.maltesedogs.com/grooming_your_maltese.htm

although the furminator is an excellent grooming tool, there are some breeds of dogs that it should Not be used on and the maltese is one of them

Answer 8

I think your supposed to try to separate the matts with yor fingers; if they're really bad, cut the dogs fur shorter and 'start over' OR go to a groomer and see if they can fix it

Answer 9

I totally read this question wrong when I selected it. I thought it said mating. I was going to suggest starting with cocktails, dim lighting, and soft jazz music in the background.

Answer 10

dont let the fur get too long, trim it so it stays short, you shouldnt have any problems then.