How to get rid of tangles in a dog?

If you notice that the dog’s tangles began to appear often, then first of all you should try to determine the cause of their appearance.

Why do tangles occur?

Tangles are formed by matting already fallen hairs and growing wool. Therefore, improper care of the dog’s coat provokes their formation. Here are some common causes of matted wool:

1. After washing the dog, the hair dryer was not used. Wool that has dried naturally is prone to tangles: it fluffs and clumps.

2. While bathing, the owner rubbed the dog very hard. It is worth remembering that under mechanical action, dead hairs fall out, and thorough washing of the wool confuses them.

3. Clothes for dogs also contribute to the formation of tangles. Especially if it is made of coarse fabric.

4. Dirty wool can speed up the mat formation process. The fatty layer with which it is covered collects dust, dirt and, of course, fallen hair much faster.

5. Insufficient combing is one of the causes of this problem. So, if the owner does not comb out the wool and undercoat properly, it is likely that matted tufts will soon appear on the pet.

Most often, mats form in the armpits, on the abdomen, in the groin, on the chest and behind the ears. In these places, the hairs of the coat are thinner, they are more prone to matting. In addition, tangles often appear in dogs with fine hair and thick undercoat as a result of friction and static electricity.

How to get rid of tangles?

If you see mats in your pet, do not rush to grab the scissors. Still, this is an extreme measure, because for a start you can try to get rid of them in a more gentle way.

How to comb out tangles in a dog?

• Bathe your pet. In the process of washing, some of the dead hair will be washed away by itself;
• Dry your pet’s coat well, paying special attention to the undercoat;
• Comb the dog with special anti-tangle products – they are sold in veterinary pharmacies and pet stores. So the combing process will be less painful for the dog;
• The remaining tangles are unlikely to be combed out, it remains only to carefully cut them out with scissors;
• Carefully cut the tangle in several places in the direction of hair growth and try to untangle it.

If the burdock became the culprit in the formation of the tangle, then before removing the plant from the wool, it should be soaked by bathing the dog. So the process of unraveling will be less painful.

Prevention of the formation of tangles

Competent care is the main principle of the fight against tangles. Follow the simple rules for caring for your pet, and you will never have problems with tangled and matted hair:

1. Wash your dog regularly, but avoid excessive exposure to the animal’s coat. No need to be zealous and actively massage the pet.

2. Use hygiene products – shampoo and conditioner should be designed for animals.

3. Don’t forget to brush your dog! This is especially true for representatives of long-haired breeds. For example, a Collie or Cocker Spaniel needs to be brushed almost every day. This is required not only to emphasize the beauty of the breed, but also for hygienic purposes.

4. After combing, you can spray your pet with a spray against the formation of tangles – such products are made on the basis of natural ingredients, so they do not harm the animal’s coat.

5. Check your dog carefully for mats every week. It is much easier to unravel a fresh and small tangle than an old and dense one.

3 May 2018

Updated: 22 May 2022