| Very often you find dogs in dog shelters with | | | | without the matted hair. |
| matted hair. Usually, if it is a good shelter, these dogs | | | | Having done that it's time to groom the dog, treat it |
| would be new arrivals, if not the shelter is probably | | | | for ticks, mites, fleas and dandruff (more often than |
| short on manpower. | | | | not such dogs will have all these infestations). Take |
| You'll find dogs with matted hair in homes as well. | | | | care that the dog is regularly groomed, so that the |
| (Unfortunately not all dog owners are conscientious | | | | condition does not recur. |
| about their pets.) | | | | 3. If the matting is restricted to the ends of the hair, |
| Dogs with such problems are usually ones with | | | | measures are not as drastic as the previous one. |
| long-haired coats. Sometimes, you'll find dogs with | | | | However, it is going to be a tedious job. Get the dog |
| short-haired coats also have similar problems. | | | | to lie on a table. (Keep some tidbits to tempt the |
| The problem needs to be taken care of. While this | | | | dog to stay there. Of course if you have a way with |
| condition is harmful to the dog, it is also unhealthy for | | | | dogs, you don't need the tidbits.) |
| the humans and other dogs who live in the vicinity. | | | | You'll need a pair of small scissors as well as a good |
| How is it harmful to the dog? Matted hair is a great | | | | sized one. The small scissors are for difficult places |
| hiding place for fleas, mites and ticks. Dandruff (yes, | | | | like the paws, the ears and eyes. Carefully snipe off |
| even dogs are affected by dandruff), has a chance | | | | the matted parts. |
| to thrive in the matted coat. Last of all the odor | | | | After you are done with delicate areas, use the |
| accompanying matted coat is unbearable. | | | | other pair of scissors and snipe off the rest of the |
| One doesn't have to be a rocket scientist to figure | | | | matted hair. Next, thoroughly brush the dog down to |
| out that a dog with a matted coat is not | | | | remove small tangles. Once again check the dog for |
| comfortable and certainly not happy. How do you | | | | infestations and treat those conditions as well. |
| deal with such a problem? Read on... | | | | 4. What happens with dogs with short hair but a |
| 1. First things first. Assess the extent of matting. Is it | | | | badly matted coat? More often than not the matting |
| all over the coat? Is it dirt streaked? Is it only at the | | | | is due to dirt. So, very simply bathe the dog down, |
| ends of the hair? Has the matting extended to the | | | | groom it and you are rid of the problem. Once again |
| roots? | | | | check for infestations and treat the dog for them. |
| 2. If the matting is all over the coat, dirt streaked | | | | There is only one way you can avoid this problem |
| and has extended to the roots, the best way to get | | | | from recurring. You have three guesses! Anybody?! |
| rid of the problem is to cut away all of the dog's | | | | You are right! |
| coat. You have to take care while sniping away the | | | | 1. Regular grooming, 2. Regular grooming, and 3.... You |
| hair that you don't hurt the dog's skin. The dog will | | | | fill in the blanks. |
| look odd with its hair shorn off, but it is better off | | | | |