Brushing mats out of a dirty dog is a pain. The hair is not slippery so the mats are harder to brush out. Washing the mats doesn't really cause a problem but drying them does. They shrink up and get tighter. Each time you spray in coat conditioner and comb her out you are making the hair a little dirtier. It's probably getting to the point that the hair is matting because its not as slick/clean. The use of these mat combs or thinners actually do cut some of the hair so be aware that you will have lots of shorter hairs which in the long run can cause even more mats on a longer coat (a concern if you plan to grow her coat long but not if you are keeping her trimmed pretty short anyway). If you are having a hard time brushing the mats out I would try washing a small area (maybe a leg) and saturating the area with a good conditioner and brush it out wet with the conditioner still on the hair. Has it been long enough since her surgery to get her wet?
__________________ Dawn (Brandy & Titan's mom)  |