matting behind ears

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

I brush Timbow almost every day to keep tangles out and those nasty matts away. However, I am noticing that he is matting right behind his ears. I don't know how I am missing this spot, I guess it's just in an awkward place. Do you guys spend extra time behind the ears or should I use a special brush or comb? Maybe once a week check and make sure no matts are forming? Any advice?

[Petsborough-Maria Santos]

Ckeck the matts. Are they to tie with the skin? If this is the case have them removed by a professional groomer. This spot ( behind the ears) is a very sensitive area and dematting hurts a lot. NEVER use scissors to remove matts, with or without comb, the safe way to do it is with a #10 blade.
If they are not to tie with the skin, try first to apart the matt with your fingers, than hold the matt in between your fingers and chew it with a thining shear, brush it out and then comb it gently.
In the future you can avoid this situation. Ask to your groomer to reduce the lengh of the fur behind the ears. I use to have my doodle customers shaved there with a #4 blade to avoid matting and it works fine.

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Judi, You can pick a good pair of thinning shears at Sally's Beauty Supply. The thinning shears are what I use on Harlow's mats. I carefully trim through the mat with the thinning shears, then gently continue to split the mat into small sections and work each section with a wide tooth comb and then a brush.

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

Thanks! I will go pick some up. I started combing behind his ears every other day and haven't had as much of a problem, but the shears will be nice if we do run into a problem again.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I have an old cheap pair of fingernail scissors - curved and dull at the end. I use these to slice sideways through the mat. I always face the scissors away from the skin and I have my husband hold Ned to prevent accidental cuts.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Be VERY careful when ever you are cutting near the skin. I always pinch the mat with my fingers and cut in front of my finger so if anyone gets cut, it will be me!!! Then I work the remaining little stub of the mat ouf with my fingers or a comb. As told, yes the ear area is very sensitive and from time to time you might get a little whimper from your baby. I always try to hold the mat tight in my hand and comb it out from there. Now that Gracie Doodle is over 2 years old and kept at 2 inches or under she really never mats. If any it is in the arm pits and ear area. The ear area is mainly caused by the collar is she is not wearing her leather one. Also, if she plays hard with her friends all the fur grabbing around the neck and ear area can cause some knots. I used the Tail and Mane detangler spray on Gracie once and it worked like a charm. PS...another sensitive place that mats up is between the toes.