How can I safely remove mats from my dog's hair?

I recently gained ownership of an older dog that a friend was unable to take care of anymore. This dog is an older cocker spainel and her fur is covered in mats. How can I safely get rid of these, without having to take the dog to the groomer? I do not want to cause any undue stress on the poor thing and I am looking for your help! Thanks!

How can I safely remove mats from my dog's hair?

If the dog is severely matted, it will have to be shaved down. You can buy a clipper and do this yourself or it will be faster in the long run to let a groomer do it. Cockers will need regular clipping and trimming to keep their coats in good shape. They get very thick and mat easily. If there are only a couple of mats, work a comb between the skin and the mat, and cut off the mat with scissors. This way you won't accidentally cut the skin. If the dog is horrible about being groomed, he might need to be sedated at the vets and clipped.

How can I safely remove mats from my dog's hair?

i use one of those little bathroom scissors with the round ends...the ones you use to trim your nose hair

How can I safely remove mats from my dog's hair?

well i think you should take it to a groomer or even a vet. one wrong cut and you could hurt the dog. if it's not too bad than carefully cut the matted hair off. you might want to put a muzzle on him while you do it. good luck

How can I safely remove mats from my dog's hair?

Go to a store like Petsmart or one of those places, and get a special type of comb thing. It looks like a half circle of metal with sort of a an edge that looks like one side of pinking shears. It was suggested to me for my long haired dog who seems to be matted no matter how much I brush her. If I remember correctly the thing cost about $20, and was well worth the money.

How can I safely remove mats from my dog's hair?

She will have to be clipped. Use a pair of scissors, put your fingers between her skin and the scissors. Pet her and reassure her while clipping her. Watch the tongue, they keep wanting to kiss. She will love you for it.

How can I safely remove mats from my dog's hair?

Taking the dog to a qualified groomer is the least stressful way to do this. The groomer will use a clipper to remove most of the hair from the animal. You can then groom the dog regularly and let the hair grow out again.

Using an electric clipper is really the only GOOD way to handle the dog if severely matted. You can do it yourself but restraining the dog may be a problem without the proper equipment.

One trip to the groomer is cheaper than getting the equipment.

How can I safely remove mats from my dog's hair?

Go to a web site called DoctorDog.com. It gives some advice about matted fur.

How can I safely remove mats from my dog's hair?

If the mats are really bad you may just want to look into shaving her. Her hair will grow back in no time and it will be mat free. Just remember to give her a good brushing at least once a week.

If her mats aren't that bad you can use a comb and scissors. Place the comb under the mat (thru the hair) to prevent you from cutting any skin that may have grown into the mat. and use the scissors to trim. I would only use this method if there are a few mats.

Hope this helps.

How can I safely remove mats from my dog's hair?

u may need to shave the dog down. even if u take the dog to the groomers if it sounds as bad as it is they will just shave the dog too.

How can I safely remove mats from my dog's hair?

The groomers or even a mobile groomer will probably be the least stressful and least likely to hurt the dog as they will know what they are doing and not cut the dog in any way. If shes really bad she might need clipping off all over, you could maybe try to find someone who shows a clipped breed locally who might be willing to do it for you. Also try the shelter they might have someone who can use clippers safely and for a donation might be willing to do it. I often clip off badly matted dogs here, and do it for another dog if asked AND they sign to say that they dont care what the end result looked like. If dogs are badly matted they are often clipped to the skin all over and though they feel much better thay can look odd. Most shelter workers wont be experienced enough to do a show cut.

How can I safely remove mats from my dog's hair?

I can't tell how bad the mats are. Can you get a brush through them? If so, you need a slicker to tease the mats out. If the mats are large, you can cut through them with small scissors, then brush them out with the slicker.

If the mats are too bad, and really tight to the dog's skin, the kindest thing to do is take her to a groomer to get her clipped (especially since this is an older dog, you don't want to cause too much stress brushing). If you have to have her clipped, it will be easy for you to look after her coat from then on. Just brush about once a week with a pin brush.

How can I safely remove mats from my dog's hair?

The small pair of rounded scissors is a good idea. I would also suggest cutting her hair in a very quiet environment, so that she stays relatively calm. Also, do not attempt to remove all the mats at once if she panics. You can always go back and try again later. You wouldn't want her to become scared of you. Hope that helps!

How can I safely remove mats from my dog's hair?

just cut it off