Dog Grooming Tips: Prevent Tangles
With the cooler months ahead, many people wonder whether to keep their dog fluffier than they do in the summer. A longer style or teddy-bear look can work well for some dogs, but you will need to maintain your dog’s longer coat between regular grooming appointments.
Matting can quickly become uncomfortable for dogs, and mats are sneaky. Your dog’s back area might feel brushed out, but tangles can form underneath. Small tangles grow fast. They get tighter over time, and before you know it, one small area of tangles becomes too matted for even the best brush and comb to get through.
Removing serious matting comes with its own challenges. While you can carefully brush out loose tangles without pulling or irritating the dog, more serious ones are hard to remove safely. Trying to fully brush out a matted dog is unfair to the dog, even the most patient dog. At a certain point, matting has to be professionally removed. Since a dog’s skin can become tented up into the mats, only a professional should do this. Usually, the best approach is to remove mats by clipping at a safe length. That means the clippers will have to go underneath the mats rather than through them.
Since mats can cause so many problems and are difficult to remove, the best approach is to prevent them from forming. Regular brushing and combing can help remove loose hair and keep the coat from tangling. Focus on areas that commonly mat up, such as the ears, around the collar, tail, the legs (especially around the elbows), and the underside of the dog.
Brushing sessions can be short and should always be positive. Use the right brush for your dog’s coat type and a spritz of conditioner to help the process. You can reward your dog with a few small treats throughout the process and offer calm praise. To brush the coat properly, work in sections so you don't miss any areas. Be careful not to brush directly over your dog's skin. Instead, lift the coat and gently work through each layer.
After brushing, you should use a dog grooming comb to check through the coat. The comb will show you where you missed areas. There are many types of brushes and combs. A single dog might require multiple different types of brushes. If you’re not sure what to use, ask your groomer for suggestions.
A healthy and clean coat won’t mat up as easily. Keep your dog clean and well conditioned to make it easier to brush through the coat. Another thing that helps is professional drying. Towel drying alone after a bath can contribute to tangles, especially if you rub the towel on a long coat. A professional blow-dry, which involves using a dog dryer while brushing the coat, can help remove tangles and leave the coat looking like a show dog’s.
Even when you do your best to keep your dog brushed out, life sometimes gets in the way. It happens! When your dog is starting to get matted, don’t worry. Reach out to your groomer and make a plan together for the best approach.
Whatever style you choose for your dog, we’re happy to help at MJ’s Pet Training Academy. We are here to answer questions about brushes, coat care, and more.
