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Dogs develop mats
naturally as their hair becomes tangled and catches
dirt, debris and dead hair. Areas under the armpits and
on the paws are especially prone to mats. The bigger a
mat gets, the more loose material it gathers, creating a
snowballing effect that creates an even larger tangle.
Aside from being uncomfortable for a dog, mats can
irritate the skin, contribute to the development of
infections, and reduce the insulating capability of a
dog’s coat.
Mats are one of the many
health issues where the “prevention is the best cure”
rule applies. So brush your dog regularly to keep mats
from becoming a problem.
Remove smaller mats from
your pet by using a detangling/dematting spray and a mat
rake or mat splitter. Start by applying the spray to the
mats, and allowing it to saturate the area for 10-15
minutes. Matted hair that can’t be pulled apart by hand
should be worked on with a mat rake/splitter, unless the
mat is very large, in which case it will have to be cut
off with scissors, taking care not injure the dog’s
skin.
When working with a
rake/splitter, hold the mat and place the rake/splitter
behind it, making sure that the sharp edge is facing
away from the dog. Start at the outer area of the mat,
and work in toward the center gradually. With short
quick strokes, pull the rake/splitter through the mat. A
straight motion should be used when doing this. Mats
should never be worked on in a sawing motion. Be very
sensitive to the dog’s reaction when doing this, to
avoid causing the pet pain.
Dogs have thin,
sensitive skin, so a mat should never be pulled out
forcefully. A shedding rake/splitter should never be
used on a short-haired dog like a Boxer or Doberman
Pinscher, since it can cut their skin.
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