Heeeeeelp! matts!!!!!

[Kanga]

I am letting Scrappy's coat grow out for the umpteenth attempt lol

But, this time after he has his harness on he is matting where the harness straps go something shocking.

I hate to stop him from being a dog. He loves going to the lake and having a swim.

But after each outing this past couple of weeks I have had to have the dematting tool out.


Any suggestions out there?

[I Found Nemo]

Nemo rarely has matts he is in a puppy-cut, but when I do get one I soak the matt in Pantene conditioner and just brush away at it till it comes out. Pantene conditioner is really good on matts.
I hope it works for you..
ANDREA~

[Kanga]

Thanks Andrea I do use Pantene.

I am thinking it is the harness it is the one that goes around the neck and also the body. It is a cheap one I use for walks so that it can get wet at the lake when he goes in for a swim.

I have the stepin kind in various colors for the car. Which are like a soft felt and they do not matt him.

Scrappy rarely matted when his coat was this length before (about 2.5 inches) so I am in shock and also I don't want to be always dematting him after every outing.

Looks like a haircut is the only answer as I don't want to deprive him of his walks as we both enjoy them so much.

Drats!

[dogloverx4]

I never get mats because I am an obsessive brusher , I carry a comb at all times , if they even look like tangling I comb . I think shorter hair tangles faster than long . What shampoo and conditioner are you using ? . Sarah

[Kanga]

Okay Sarah so perhaps this is a phase. Maybe I should hang in there a bit longer till his coat grows out some more.


Sarah I am using Pantene and have been really happy till these past couple of weeks.

I used to use CC products but the supplier in WA doesn't always have stock.

This is the last month of summer so perhaps I will just hang in there. I was just upset to see matts on my baby where there has never been matts before.

Grooming Scrappy is not a chore for me as Scrappy will climb on my knee and ask to be brushed so it isnt lack of brushing that is causing this.

Perhaps I should have asked this question differently as I think it is the harness and I was curious to know what harness or collars other's use.

[Morkie4]

I never get mats because I am an obsessive brusher , I carry a comb at all times , if they even look like tangling I comb . I think shorter hair tangles faster than long . What shampoo and conditioner are you using ? . Sarah

Sarah, Ya know what? That's exactly what I thought too..........when their hair was shorter, it seemed to mat much eaiser, I thought I was crazy!!! Now that it is longer, as long as I brush every day.......it is a breeze. Takes me less than 10 minutes to do each of them. Of course, bath day takes a lot longer with the drying of the long hair.

Bren, I have tried harnesses of various styles and they have all made mats in their coats so I went to a collar. Of course I only wear their collars when we are in the car or out in public.........but it doesn't seem to mat the hair. AND I always give a quick brush after the collars come off!

[Kanga]

Okay, I would have thought a shorter coat wouldn't matt as much. :confused:

This is how I discovered that the harness is causing the matts as I always give Scrappy a brush after our walks. Actually he gets several brushes a day as he just loves it.

I paniced about the matts as his coat isnt that long yet. Only 2 maybe 3 inches and I didnt want to grow his coat if it meant matts.


Perhaps I will see how it grows. The long hair on his head and his topknot is so silky I would love to see how he would be in a long coat.

[M101]

I have posted this suggestion before; Babe was bathed by me when he was delivered to our house w/ my Ojon Hydrating Shampoo/Conditioner (for humans).

When he arrived he was gray. Now 23 days later he is white as snow. I use the Ojon Conditioner diluted in a spray bottle for his daily grooming. I have not found any mats.

The Ojon although pricey is made from nearly 100% Ojon w/ Shea Butter and Sweet Almond Oil.

Babe had two large mats on his chest before I bathed him initially; I worked them out w/ my fingers in several mins. using the conditioner diluted.

Also, he does not have any odor. His fur smells clean. Also, no breakage to his hair. His skin also looks very healthy.

You might try it.

QVC sells the Ojon. Also, some beauty supplies at a higher price. I usually have the Ojon overnighted to me. QVC price approx. $40.00 for both plus S/H and Tax for 8 oz. bottles. I buy 33 oz. bottles for myself. Ojon also has Shine Spray or Serum that would be useful for grooming.

In my opinion the Ojon prevents any dirt or staining from occurring via a barrier on the fur.

I do store my shampoo/conditioner in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

Best of Luck

[Kanga]

Thanks for your help M101 But, it was the harness. I got a cheap one to use for our lake walks. One that I didn't mind if it got wet and ruined when Scrappy went in for a paddle.

Since discarding it and using our suede ones there hasn't been a problem since.

But, thanks. Your advice may help someone else who is having a problem with the products they are using. ;)

[houZ]

I can totally relate! Spencer is going to need another shave at the groomers (again) as he is covered in mats. It's my fault and I feel like a bad parent. He hates it when I try to brush him or cut his nails... AND brush his teeth, all which I know I must do regularly. He (Spencer) is just going to have to start getting used to me brushing him daily etc.

:o