matted hair

[Linda Downey]

hi im wondering can anyone help me my 8month old labradoodle sooty has a few knots or mats in his hair does anyone know of an easy way to remove them... without having to cut them out cause i want to keep his hair long??

[Kyoko]

I say let the groomer brush him out!! If you find few knots, there may be a lot more in there.... :-( It was like a night mare keeping up with the mats.....

[Leslie J]

I love the long hair too... but finally relented and cut it short when poor Cocoa started running from me every time she saw a comb or brush in my hand. I had been combing out mats every day, and every day new ones would appear. I had combed her thoroughly every day for a week and thought her coat was in good shape when I brought her in... but the groomer called my attention to matting on Cocoa's mustache, the end of her ears, and several others I missed.

I had her combed out and trimmed the first time (at 8 months) she went to the groomer. The last time (almost 10 months) I had her cut down to 1"... it is cooler and I was just feeling too sorry for her, having to be combed out so much. She still looks cute and doodly :)

I agree with Kyoko- you should probably have a groomer comb her and see if there is more matting deep in the fur.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I literally got a steel comb from Pets Supermarket - it was maybe $10 and it is even better than my Les Poochs brush - it really gets rid of the matting. I know you want to keep Sooty's hair long, but while he is growing out his adult hair, you may want to keep him slightly shorter. Peri has her summer 'do right now and it is a JOY not having to brush her everyday. And come join the Grooming Group!