HELP--How do I remove mats?? Lucy has never had a mat in 3 years. But Ella's coat is thick and cottony. She does pretty good with brushing but when I get to the mat she just squirms and squeals. They are mostly around her back legs. What can I do to make this easier on her? I have been using Lucy's brushes but I think I might have to get something else for Ella. Do they make brushes/combs specifically for cotton coats or for removing mats? I have to give her another bath today and I will be putting a heavier condition on her back legs to see if that helps loosen it up. I need all the help I can get! |
Always remove mats before you get them wet. I suggest you look for Cowboy Magic Detangler, you can get it online, and some stores that sell horse supplies sell it. You just put a small amount on the mat, and rub your thumb and forefinger in a circular motion around the mat. Using a wide toothcomb start close to the end and comb through, each time getting a little closer to the skin. For really bad mats a dematting comb is good, but you should be careful how you use it. It' has a sharp edge between the teeth and "cuts" through the mat. If it's really bad, most groomers just shave it. You need to spend more time each day getting out these mats and always use a good conditioner after shampooing. Since you probably don't have the cowboys magic, I suggest you try using a conditioner, in the way I described, but I'm not sure how successful you'll be. The good thing about Cowboy Magic is that your really not getting the hair wet when you use it, it's more like a silicone and makes the hair slick. |
Thanks Nancy! I thought I had heard that about removing mats before getting wet. I was reading another thread and they mentioned using Hask Pure Shine or something like that that is carried at Walmart. So I might get that to use tonight until I can get my hands on Cowboy Magic. I think I'll continue to try with the regular comb. |
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I've used cornstarch on matted hair before. You would be amazed at how easily the mat is detangled. And, it doesn't take but a pinch of it to do the trick. You might want to try it, til you get the Cowboy Magic or whatever else.:) |
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How do you use the cornstarch? Do you just put it on dry and rub it into the mat? Lily has some around her face that she's not letting me get a brush or comb anywhere near, and it's driving me crazy!!! :( |
Yorkies, among other long haired breeds must definitely be brushed every single day, and the cotton coated dogs need even more special attention. Having a good pin brush and a slicker is important. On the cotton coats you need a really good shampoo that doesn't dry the hair, and a terrific conditioner, even if you have to mix a few things together. I have a silky coat and a cotton coat, so I know the problem with mats if you don't properly manage the grooming. I use to use the cowboy magic until I found just the perfect mix of conditioners to help keep the coat from matting at all, but still have to brush and comb daily. The slicker is used to undo the mats should they get them. You just start at the end and work toward the body. It's so easy if the coat is already in good condition. |
I went to WalMart last night and bought conditioning spray and a matting comb...it is scary looking!! I am going to try it out tonight. What shampoo/conditioner do you recommend? Ella's breeder was using human products..I think Garnier Fructis. I have stuff I bought from Petsmart. Lucy's hair is pretty dry so I wanted to switch anyway. I will have to remember to get a slicker brush. Luckily, she is not matted around her face... |
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I normally use it before a bath, to get out a mat or two. Then rinse the cornstarch out with cool water before I use warm water to wet them down with. The cool water breaks down the cornstarch better than warm, and it rinses out easier that way. It's safe to use around their mouths, just be careful (by not using too much)...it's powdery and probably wouldn't feel great to them if it poofed up into their eyes. |
Cornstarch works great! Annie had some really bad matting by her legs where her harness sits. I saw this thread about using cornstarch, so I tried it out last night and worked like a charm. It has so easy! (And I didn't have to go anywhere to buy it!) |
Bailey has some pretty nasty mats on her back legs, I think I'll try the cornstarch tonight. What a great idea!! Thanks for sharing it with us. |
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I'm glad to hear it is working for others too. You're welcome for the tip, it was passed on to me by a good friend and was too good to keep to myself!:) |
Besides all the great advices here in this forum. please remember to start combing from the ends to the root, patiently, and slowly. so you dont hurt them. If they are sitting on your lap. try to press the the comb against your leg, or hand to avoid pulling out hair. Small parts at a time, switching from hard to easy, and easy to hard. With patience, and the right tools, you dont ever have to cut the hair to remove mats. |
Thanks for the tip. I will try this technique on Gabby. She has a cottony coat also and tends to mat easily on the inside of her hind legs. I have used the mat combs before and really don't like to use it except for a last resort. My groomer suggested Show Sheen for horses but this sounds even better. |
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