Conquering Mats - Part 3

***NOTE***

If you haven't yet read Part 2 of this series, click here to read it.

So far we've covered how mats develop, how to prevent them, and how to "conquer" simple mats.

Many thicker mats require more than just your fingers, a metal comb, and a slicker brush.  There are several tools that are helpful when tackling these bigger, more stubborn mats.

Here we'll explain these "mat cracking" tools. Although they are designed to get at the root of the problem, remember to always begin by brushing around these tougher mats.  This will get out any loose, dead hair that can complicate the task.

Mat rakes, or mat combs, have a row of widely spaced "teeth."  These "teeth" are actually small, razor sharp stainless steel blades.  There are blunted safety tips on the ends of each blade. 

Mat rakes are designed to slowly "saw" through each mat.  The recommeded technique is to start working at the outer end of the mat.  (This is the end farthest from the skin).  Gradually work deeper into the mat.  Then slowly progress closer and closer to the skin.  Take special care to hold the mat next to the dog's skin with your opposite hand to prevent painful pulling.

Mat splitters are a single-bladed tool designed to gradually slice through mats.  Again, precautions must be taken not to pull or poke that tender skin!

When using a mat splitter, remember to work from the outer end very gradually in toward the skin.  Also work lightly, very gradually slicing deeper into the matted hair, layer by layer.  Gentally brush the mat after each cut is made.  As a few hairs are cut at a time, the mat will hopefully loosen enough to allow some combing, brushing, and finger pulling.   By progressing in this way, the goal is to "finish" the job with no more hair loss than necessary.

The coat-king is a multipurpose tool.  It has a row of curved, blunted teeth.  There are razor-sharp blades between these teeth.

While mat-kings are designed for dematting long haired dogs, they are also intended for stripping undercoats.  Undercoat stripping is not recommended for Bichons of any variety!  So care should be taken to use a very light touch with this tool so as not to remove more hair than necessary.

Sometimes mats are too large and thick for basic tools to "conquer." (This is often the case with "rescued Bichons).

At this point, a professional groomer is needed.  Shaving will probably be necessary to get rid of these mats.

After shaving, the hair remaining will be very short and lie next to the skin.  Grooming is, nevertheless, very important during this time when the hair is growing back.

Take a couple of minutes each day to gently stroke your Bichon buddy all over with a very soft-bristled baby brush.  This will accomplish 3 major things.  First it will accustom your littl pal to painless, brief brushing.  Secondly, as the hair grows, it will easily prevent tiny tangles from ever developing into mats.  Finally it will help the 2-legged part of this "partnership" get into a habit that will easily prevent mats from ever developing again.

Our little buddies depend on us for their well-being and care.  We owe it to them to be the best care-givers possible.  Hopefully this information on conquering mats will help you and enrich the lives of those little souls in your care.