De-matting fur isn’t the most fun part of having dogs, but it is essential to their care. You want your dog to feel their best, and there’s no reason that they can’t also look their best.
Truthfully, matted fur, when left unattended, can actually become painful for dogs. It pulls at the skin, and it can also harbor bacteria and pests, leading to infections and infestations. So making sure your pup’s coat stays healthy and untangled is essential.
Not every dog may require the same techniques though, and you may need to get especially clever if your dog isn’t a fan of grooming. Obviously, your professional groomer can take care of your dog’s de-matting needs, but it’s still important to keep up with at-home care.
Here are some basic tips and video tutorials for de-matting your dog’s matted fur coat.
Dog De-Matting 101
The video above is a great tutorial because it shows how to use a few sets of tools to work out some pretty hefty mats. It goes over breaking up the mats and using different brushes to comb them out.
Now we probably don’t all have the well-behaved pup who’s seen here, but the idea remains the same.
Using A Furminator
The video above features someone dog lovers should know, Jun the Groomer.
Jun has some handy and well-known tools that all parents of heavy coated dogs should be familiar with.
He actually uses a “Furminator” in this video, too, which is an awesome dog comb for any breed!
Getting Behind The Ears
The first couple videos covered the basics for getting mats out of your dog’s fur. Now, let’s tackle a slightly more problematic area for dogs — behind the ears.
If you watched the Jun the Groomer video, you’ve probably noted that there are sensitive areas too tender to de-mat. Under the armpit is one such place, but so is behind a dog’s ears.
In the video above, Rodrigo “The Dog Man” shows you the best way to get rid of mats on your dog’s ears. Remember to always make sure your dog will stay still for something like this because a rambunctious pup runs the risk of getting hurt.
When In Doubt, Go To The Groomer
If you’re uncomfortable taking on any or all of the grooming tasks above on your own, taking your vet to a nearby groomer is probably the safest bet.
Coat care is imperative for a dog’s good health, so don’t skimp on the quality. Ask friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations.
Also, make sure to read online reviews of groomers before you take your pup. There have been unfortunate cases of abuse and even death when dogs are not properly taken care of in the hands of careless or untrained groomers.
Do you groom your dog at home? Got any de-matting tips for other dog lovers? Let us know in the comments below!
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