HELP!!! Matted hair. - YorkieTalk.com Forums

BellarousasMom · 12-30-2009, 04:35 PM

I really need help. I've had Bella since Sept. Her hair was just beautiful when I got her and clear up to the first of Dec. So here's the scenerio. We have hard water and heat with wood (which leads to dry air). I've noticed her hair is not as silky as was and we have been dealing with really bad mats. I don't have a clue what to do, but this is what I have been doing. I've been using an oatmeal blend shampoo and a leave in puppy conditioner. I have also been using my leave in when I don't use hers. Monday when I went shopping I bought a bottle of pethead condition which is suppose to be a moisturizer and detangler. I haven't used that yet. I also bought some Johnson and Johnson baby leave in detangler and moisturizer. It's been a week since I've given her a bath, which I usually give her one about once a week or 10 days. One of my friends suggest to not give her a bath for a month. I cann't do that. But I was wondering about waiting till her hair does get oily and let it set for a couple of days. My husband even suggested that I should rub her down with baby oil. I have thought of that.

Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Loretta

Sunnie · 12-30-2009, 05:28 PM

you should be using something like petsilk liquid silk serum or Chris Christensen Ice on Ice spray whenever you brush them. You should NOT brush a dry coat as it will become static-y (is that a word?)

Yorkiedaze · 12-30-2009, 05:37 PM

A slicker brush is a must for the longer hair. It gets those mats out, but you need a really good conditioner. Be sure to brush her each day as well.

aqeuous18 · 12-30-2009, 09:10 PM

Along with a slicker brush you need a comb. Slicker brushes tend to brush surface tangles out and don't get down to where the mats actually start near the skin. This is the main mistake I see people make with the long haired pups. They brush with good intentions though! Also, be sure to brush and detangle before the bath as water tends to tighten them up.

bchgirl · 12-30-2009, 09:49 PM

Slicker brushes aren't intended for single coat breeds. You should be brushing her frequently which helps distribute her natural oils and obviously keeps mats at bay. You can buy a dematting comb to work through mats or I use a chris christenson wooden pin brush. It is the best money I have ever spent and glides through mats. Use the wooden pin brush, then a regular pin brush and finish with a greyhound comb. A terrific conditioner is made by summerwinds...

here's links to the products.

Pin Brushes

Summerwinds - Coat Care Products

Breeze · 12-30-2009, 09:52 PM

I find you have to be careful with some leave-in conditioners, they can coat the hair and make it matt easier. I also like the petsilk serum to help keep the coat in great condition.

bchgirl · 12-30-2009, 10:03 PM

Just thought of something...how old is Bella? When puppy coats are transititioning to adult coats...mats can become a problem....if she has a true silk coat once it comes in completely....it gets easier again. If she has a cotton coat...mats will probably always be a problem to deal with. I have two which are walking mat balls. They stay in puppy cuts. The two which have silk coats are much easier.

Tinksmum · 12-31-2009, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bchgirl

Just thought of something...how old is Bella? When puppy coats are transititioning to adult coats...mats can become a problem....if she has a true silk coat once it comes in completely....it gets easier again. If she has a cotton coat...mats will probably always be a problem to deal with. I have two which are walking mat balls. They stay in puppy cuts. The two which have silk coats are much easier.

I know this is a stupid question, but I hear of cotton-coat and silky coats alot and I don't know how to tell what type of coat Belle has. She seems to be a mix of both (perhaps it's the transition to the adult coat??). Her "top coat" looks like traditional Yorkie, silky I guess and straight and under that is where she gets mat problems, next to the skin under her arms and where anything rubs on her. When I look at the mats and get them out it's like cotton-wool. I thought that Yorkies had a single coat and it's becoming very hard to manage the knots.

diane boden · 12-31-2009, 03:14 AM

Could be her adult coat comming in, Rosie had a very thin coat when we got her but she seams to be growing in layer after layer, first black, then about 2 months ago steel now more dark coat, with so many different layers and lengths so matts easy too. Here in the U.K the cottony coat is called a wooley coat. They're really dark, thick and hard to manage,it's not unusal for them to knot under their forelegs, I try to keep it trimmed short there to avoid the discomfort.

BellarousasMom · 12-31-2009, 05:17 AM

She is 19 months old. She has a thin silky coat. She is my first yorkie. I got her in Sept. so she was 16 months old then.

BellarousasMom · 12-31-2009, 05:21 AM

She did come with a pin brush. But it seems to harsh and pulls alot. I try to comb her every day, if not that every other day. Her hair is about 2 inches long. I do try to comb out before a bath. Will be more persistant on that.

HarleyHOO · 12-31-2009, 05:33 AM

My Harley has a very fine and silky coat. However, she's an active little bugger so I still have to deal with the matting. I agree, that the key is to comb her everyday. As long as I stay on top of it, it doesn't get unmanageable. When I find a mat, I pinch her hair as close to the skin as possible so that when I'm picking through it, it doesn't pull on her as much. Very rarely am I able to actually work out the mat without the hair breaking off....I end up just pulling the entire mat out when that happens. I just ordered the Petsilk shampoo, conditioner and serum but have not received yet. I've heard wonderful things about it though so I'm hoping that maybe it will help to where the hair doesn't brake off when I comb. I'll let you know how it works

Sookie · 12-31-2009, 06:16 AM

I have four Yorkies and I went through the "mat" stage many times. These dogs mat so easily - even when you groom them every single day as I do. A little walk and you take off the harness and there they are again!! Pulling with a slicker brush will damage the coat and hurt their tender skin. I never use a slicker brush.

Now I have two 5 month old puppies - which is the worst stage possible when dealing with the coats. They have the old coat growing out and the new coat coming in and it'll be another month or two before they look really, really nice. Six to 7 months is my favorite age.

I finally found something that works like magic. Seriously. My breeder told me about this product and I LOVE it! Go to WalMart or Target or to a drug store and buy olive oil root stimulator in the jar and olive oil spray for hair. The brand I am currently using is the Organics brand, but any brand will do. Wash and condition the dog as usual and then rub the root stimulator in the palms of your hand and work it gently through the coat. Rinse off most, but not quite all, of the root stimulator and then pat dry and blow dry as usual. Yes, your dog will look slightly greasy but less so as days pass. When she is completely dry spray a gentle amount of the olive oil spray on her coat and comb thru.

My puppies have not had a mat problem since I started using this stuff. You will find it in the ethnic hair section. It smells fantastic and it really works. You can spray some of the spray through her coat mid-week if you want to keep it looking good.

aqeuous18 · 12-31-2009, 08:35 AM

Wow, thanks for the info Sookie! I haven't come to this stage yet, but Wookie's hair grows like crazy. I can only imagine what I am in store for

nesha · 12-31-2009, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sookie

I have four Yorkies and I went through the "mat" stage many times. These dogs mat so easily - even when you groom them every single day as I do. A little walk and you take off the harness and there they are again!! Pulling with a slicker brush will damage the coat and hurt their tender skin. I never use a slicker brush.

Now I have two 5 month old puppies - which is the worst stage possible when dealing with the coats. They have the old coat growing out and the new coat coming in and it'll be another month or two before they look really, really nice. Six to 7 months is my favorite age.

I finally found something that works like magic. Seriously. My breeder told me about this product and I LOVE it! Go to WalMart or Target or to a drug store and buy olive oil root stimulator in the jar and olive oil spray for hair. The brand I am currently using is the Organics brand, but any brand will do. Wash and condition the dog as usual and then rub the root stimulator in the palms of your hand and work it gently through the coat. Rinse off most, but not quite all, of the root stimulator and then pat dry and blow dry as usual. Yes, your dog will look slightly greasy but less so as days pass. When she is completely dry spray a gentle amount of the olive oil spray on her coat and comb thru.

My puppies have not had a mat problem since I started using this stuff. You will find it in the ethnic hair section. It smells fantastic and it really works. You can spray some of the spray through her coat mid-week if you want to keep it looking good.

thats funny that you said that brand as i was reading it before you stated the brand i was thinking hey i use that for my hair its an african american hair company and i love the way it makes my hair feel and the oil sheen dont weigh my hair down but anyway i never thought to use it on Denzel because i use john paul also known as paul mitchell and i love it for denzel hair

12-30-2009, 04:35 PM	#1
BellarousasMom YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 793	HELP!!! Matted hair. I really need help. I've had Bella since Sept. Her hair was just beautiful when I got her and clear up to the first of Dec. So here's the scenerio. We have hard water and heat with wood (which leads to dry air). I've noticed her hair is not as silky as was and we have been dealing with really bad mats. I don't have a clue what to do, but this is what I have been doing. I've been using an oatmeal blend shampoo and a leave in puppy conditioner. I have also been using my leave in when I don't use hers. Monday when I went shopping I bought a bottle of pethead condition which is suppose to be a moisturizer and detangler. I haven't used that yet. I also bought some Johnson and Johnson baby leave in detangler and moisturizer. It's been a week since I've given her a bath, which I usually give her one about once a week or 10 days. One of my friends suggest to not give her a bath for a month. I cann't do that. But I was wondering about waiting till her hair does get oily and let it set for a couple of days. My husband even suggested that I should rub her down with baby oil. I have thought of that. Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Loretta

12-30-2009, 05:28 PM	#2
Sunnie Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: So. California Posts: 4,057	you should be using something like petsilk liquid silk serum or Chris Christensen Ice on Ice spray whenever you brush them. You should NOT brush a dry coat as it will become static-y (is that a word?) __________________ Sonya, Owned by Ladybug, Tilly, Sunshine, Beamer, Rainbow, Sonny and Righteous RIP Sunnie (11/12/2003-7/31/2009)

12-30-2009, 05:37 PM	#3
Yorkiedaze My hairy-legged girls Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: lompoc, ca. Posts: 12,228	A slicker brush is a must for the longer hair. It gets those mats out, but you need a really good conditioner. Be sure to brush her each day as well. __________________ AZRAEL RAZAEL JILLI ANN

12-30-2009, 09:10 PM	#4
aqeuous18 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Western NY Posts: 231	Along with a slicker brush you need a comb. Slicker brushes tend to brush surface tangles out and don't get down to where the mats actually start near the skin. This is the main mistake I see people make with the long haired pups. They brush with good intentions though! Also, be sure to brush and detangle before the bath as water tends to tighten them up. __________________ Kelly and Wookie Have you hugged your groomer today?

12-30-2009, 09:49 PM	#5
bchgirl Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: at da beach Posts: 15,444 Blog Entries: 2	Slicker brushes aren't intended for single coat breeds. You should be brushing her frequently which helps distribute her natural oils and obviously keeps mats at bay. You can buy a dematting comb to work through mats or I use a chris christenson wooden pin brush. It is the best money I have ever spent and glides through mats. Use the wooden pin brush, then a regular pin brush and finish with a greyhound comb. A terrific conditioner is made by summerwinds... here's links to the products. Pin Brushes Summerwinds - Coat Care Products __________________ Deb, Reese, Reggie, Frazier, Libby, Sidney, & Bodie Trace & Ramsey who watch over us www.biewersbythebay.com

12-30-2009, 09:52 PM	#6
Breeze Puppy Luv Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 2,678	I find you have to be careful with some leave-in conditioners, they can coat the hair and make it matt easier. I also like the petsilk serum to help keep the coat in great condition.

12-30-2009, 10:03 PM	#7
bchgirl Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: at da beach Posts: 15,444 Blog Entries: 2	Just thought of something...how old is Bella? When puppy coats are transititioning to adult coats...mats can become a problem....if she has a true silk coat once it comes in completely....it gets easier again. If she has a cotton coat...mats will probably always be a problem to deal with. I have two which are walking mat balls. They stay in puppy cuts. The two which have silk coats are much easier. __________________ Deb, Reese, Reggie, Frazier, Libby, Sidney, & Bodie Trace & Ramsey who watch over us www.biewersbythebay.com

12-31-2009, 03:14 AM	#9
diane boden YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: england Posts: 676 Blog Entries: 23	Could be her adult coat comming in, Rosie had a very thin coat when we got her but she seams to be growing in layer after layer, first black, then about 2 months ago steel now more dark coat, with so many different layers and lengths so matts easy too. Here in the U.K the cottony coat is called a wooley coat. They're really dark, thick and hard to manage,it's not unusal for them to knot under their forelegs, I try to keep it trimmed short there to avoid the discomfort.

12-31-2009, 05:17 AM	#10
BellarousasMom YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 793	She is 19 months old. She has a thin silky coat. She is my first yorkie. I got her in Sept. so she was 16 months old then.

12-31-2009, 05:21 AM	#11
BellarousasMom YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 793	She did come with a pin brush. But it seems to harsh and pulls alot. I try to comb her every day, if not that every other day. Her hair is about 2 inches long. I do try to comb out before a bath. Will be more persistant on that.

12-31-2009, 05:33 AM	#12
HarleyHOO YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Jacksonville Posts: 255	My Harley has a very fine and silky coat. However, she's an active little bugger so I still have to deal with the matting. I agree, that the key is to comb her everyday. As long as I stay on top of it, it doesn't get unmanageable. When I find a mat, I pinch her hair as close to the skin as possible so that when I'm picking through it, it doesn't pull on her as much. Very rarely am I able to actually work out the mat without the hair breaking off....I end up just pulling the entire mat out when that happens. I just ordered the Petsilk shampoo, conditioner and serum but have not received yet. I've heard wonderful things about it though so I'm hoping that maybe it will help to where the hair doesn't brake off when I comb. I'll let you know how it works __________________ ---~<3 Harley...aka...mama's sweet sweet~---

12-31-2009, 06:16 AM	#13
Sookie My Four Sweet Babies Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: South Jersey near Philadelphia Posts: 5,452	I have four Yorkies and I went through the "mat" stage many times. These dogs mat so easily - even when you groom them every single day as I do. A little walk and you take off the harness and there they are again!! Pulling with a slicker brush will damage the coat and hurt their tender skin. I never use a slicker brush. Now I have two 5 month old puppies - which is the worst stage possible when dealing with the coats. They have the old coat growing out and the new coat coming in and it'll be another month or two before they look really, really nice. Six to 7 months is my favorite age. I finally found something that works like magic. Seriously. My breeder told me about this product and I LOVE it! Go to WalMart or Target or to a drug store and buy olive oil root stimulator in the jar and olive oil spray for hair. The brand I am currently using is the Organics brand, but any brand will do. Wash and condition the dog as usual and then rub the root stimulator in the palms of your hand and work it gently through the coat. Rinse off most, but not quite all, of the root stimulator and then pat dry and blow dry as usual. Yes, your dog will look slightly greasy but less so as days pass. When she is completely dry spray a gentle amount of the olive oil spray on her coat and comb thru. My puppies have not had a mat problem since I started using this stuff. You will find it in the ethnic hair section. It smells fantastic and it really works. You can spray some of the spray through her coat mid-week if you want to keep it looking good. __________________ I LOVE MY BABIES

12-31-2009, 08:35 AM	#14
aqeuous18 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Western NY Posts: 231	Wow, thanks for the info Sookie! I haven't come to this stage yet, but Wookie's hair grows like crazy. I can only imagine what I am in store for __________________ Kelly and Wookie Have you hugged your groomer today?