Preventing matts caused by playing in the snow

[Leslie C.]

Hi.  Well, we have a lot of snow from our blizzard.  Any ideas on how to reduce matting caused by playing in the snow?  I have something like No More Tangles which I have decided to try spraying into her coat.  She already has several matts that need professional attention and her coat is especially long right now.  Thanks for the ideas/ suggestions.  Leslie & LiliBear :)

[2loqbxc1f3777]

Water is the kiss of death for making mats worse...hence snow will be just as bad....You must get the mats out BEFORE then get wet or it tightens the mats even more so........

Best advice, is get the dog into a groomer asap and get the mats out if not you may be looking at a nakid doodle for a while....fear not it will grow back if it happens...:)

Carol

Southern Charm Labradoodles

[Leslie C.]

Thanks Carol . . . for the advice on the mats and the supportive comments reminding me that her coat will grow back if the groomer requires her to get a naked cut :) ~Leslie

[Barbara & James McGillivray]

"Silk-n-finish" is a spray on conditioner by Nature's Specialties which claims to keep snow from sticking to the dog's coat. The only catch is that it is EXPENSIVE. I've only toyed with it myself. It smells nice, but maybe a little too strong. The last time I used it, my dog panted all evening. I'm thinking the scent might have been bothersome to him. I amost rebathed him, but in the morning he seemed fine? Just don't get it on the pads of the dog's feet - it makes them very slippery.

[Mindy]

I am so happy to hear others have had the same experience...My Paddy LOVES LOVES LOVES the snow. I have an appt in 2 weeks as his matting gets terrible in the winter because he is such a snow and cold weather dog. I too appreciate suggestions

Mindy

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I know nothing about snow but Horse Mane and Tail Detangler is a spray on product that helps repel dirt and junk from sticking to the animal. It helps prevent mats because it is slick and it helps you in combing the mats out. Perhaps spraying it on might help with snow balls.

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

Just curious, is your snow considered a wet snow? I have not noticed my dogs getting matted from playing in the snow. I live in a very dry climate...humidity usually around 30%. Our snow is like fairy dust...light and fluffy....for you skiers out there, powder skiing at its' best.

[Leslie C.]

It is a wet heavy snow :) And LiliBear loves to shove her face in it . . .

[Donna K & Quincy]

Fresh snow is the worst. After it's been down for a couple of days it does't seem to stick to the fur as much.

[Laura & Chewie]

I agree...we got about 7" here yesterday, the soft, powdery kind and Chewie was out for 45 minutes playing with the grandkids. He was a mess when he came in...but boy did he have fun!

[Leslie C.]

Well . . . this was the final outcome for my poor matted pup . . .

[Pat & "Tucker"]

I know it's a little too late for this but I found the raincoat to be helpful. When it is snowing and afterward for playing in the snow the coat keeps at least the top of Tucker dry even if he rolls in the snow. When he comes inside, the legs and feet are the only problem and I use the comb right away to get the snowballs out and comb through the hair. It helps when he has to go out in rain too. Funny thing is he actually leaves the coat alone and hasn't destroyed it! Petsmart- cheap $10.00 and well worth it.

[Leslie C.]

Thanks for the great tip :) Very cute & affordable!!! I hear they are already talking more snow!!!
~Leslie