✨ Demystifying Matting ✨

MOVEMENT FRICTION: This type of friction happens when your dog walks, runs and plays.

Matting often starts in high-friction areas such as the armpits, bends of joints, and backs of ears.

This cause of matting is hard to prevent, as all dogs need to move and exercise for a fulfilled life.

SOLUTION: Keep the armpits and bends of joints brushed and combed out, and/or keep those areas shorter.

GEAR FRICTION: This is result of, well, gear. Collars, harnesses, and clothes can all cause friction and matting, especially if left on at home.

SOLUTION: Choose gear that has less surface coverage and only keep gear on your dog when needed.

Trim areas where gear sits on your dog shorter, and/or brush under those areas regularly.

IMPROPER SEPARATION: Have you ever brushed your dog consistently, only to take them to the groomer and learn that they're matted?

This is usually due to improper coat separation. This happens when you brush, but not down to the skin. A comb is a wonderful aid in checking your brushing work!

SOLUTION: Use the line brushing technique when brushing, and a comb to check your brush work. Have your groomer show you how!

STUCK COAT: Stuck undercoat is a big cause of matting. Although poodles and many doodles don't shed, they still lose some amount of dead coat, just like us humans! This dead coat gets trapped and eventually causes matting.

Short coated breeds shed a lot, and they're able to push dead coat out on their own. With single coated breeds, this hair needs to be removed manually with a brush and comb. If it isn’t removed, the dead coat and healthy coat start clumping together.

SOLUTION:

This one is easy! Simply brush and comb your dog's coat regularly.

WATER FRICTION: Swimming is fun and a wonderful way to give your dog enrichment and exercise, but it can also be a source of matting if not maintained - hair expands when wet and then shrinks when dry, which can cause friction and tangles.

SOLUTION: A high velocity dryer can help separate hair while drying. If you don't have a dryer, use a slicker brush and comb to thoroughly separate your dog's coat after bathing or swimming.

A NOTE FROM BLUSH: High velocity dryers can scare us, or even damage our skin and ears if used improperly. Be sure to introduce the dryer gently and use cooperative care methods. It makes a big difference in keeping grooming stress-free!