The best way to remove knots that form in a dog's coat is to prevent them from forming in the first place. Knots can only get worse over time, so they need to be removed as soon as possible. This guide will help you dissolve them.
Steps
Step 1. If the dog in question is large, have him lie down at your feet
Or you can sit on the ground by placing it on your lap. You could also have him lie down on a large surface, it depends on your preferences.
Step 2. If the dog is small, put him in your arms and make him feel comfortable (an extra pair of hands is useful in this operation, if you find someone to help you)
If he is stroked while being brushed, a dog feels more comforted.
Step 3. Take care of one small area at a time, starting with the area below and around the ears, to get rid of the worst part right away
The dog may get bored if this goes on too long.
Step 4. You may only need to remove a few knots at a time, but if you comb it gently, your dog may even fall asleep
Step 5. Use a wire brush gently and slowly, untangling the knots starting at the ends
Brush gradually towards the pile of hair, making sure to hold the coat firmly at the root.
Step 6. This part is very important
Separate the knots with your fingers: this way you loosen the enveloped hair and then brushing becomes easier. Remember to brush starting from the outer ends, moving the brush in and out.
Step 7. It may take some time, but unravel as many knots as you can in a session before your dog gets too nervous
Otherwise, the dog may no longer stay still enough in the future.
Step 8. Give your dog treats periodically to reward him for standing still
Step 9. If the knot is too tight and in an inconspicuous area, you can also cut it off
The hair will grow back quickly. Using sharp scissors and possibly just a blade, carefully move the scissors along the fur to the skin, then slide the scissors in the same direction of hair growth. Never cut knots directly near the skin. The skin itself can be pulled inside the tangle and you could injure the dog. Also cutting in the direction of the hair gives a more natural look when finished. Cut the knot into several small sections and try to untie them with your fingers and then brush them off.
Step 10. Once the brushing phase is over, give your dog a delicious treat and maybe take him for a walk
She will almost be looking forward to having this operation again.
Step 11. Make sure you brush and comb each area of your dog's coat so the knots no longer form
If you live in a humid area, the formation of knots in the coat is more frequent than in drier areas. Areas such as the armpits, the back of the ears, the back and the chest are where knots form most frequently, as they receive the most friction from stroking, scratching and simply sitting down.
Advice
- Always brush and comb a long-haired dog before bathing: afterwards, every little knot will have gotten worse.
- If your dog allows it, use a hair dryer. Make sure you don't focus the blast of hot air on the same spot for more than a few seconds, or you'll burn his skin.
- Using conditioner in a long-haired dog helps prevent knots from forming.
- To dry your dog, use a towel and wrap it completely. Try to keep him in this position long enough for his body heat to dry out much of the moisture.
Warnings
- When petting your dog, be careful how you do it. Some knots can be caused by you, for example when you stroke the fur in circles.
- Brushing (with a brush) is fine for the surface. But for deep knots you always have to resort to a metal comb. Be careful not to pluck the hair, the knots need to be unraveled.
- A dog that scratches himself frequently is not only suffering some discomfort, but is also causing knots to form in his coat. Both of these conditions must be resolved by intervening quickly.
- Cutting a knot should be a last resort. When the hair gets twisted, the tension of the hair causes the skin to lift in places, so it is quite easy to cut the skin in place of the hair by mistake. If you can, take a plastic comb and wedge it under the tangled hair, then cut the knot above the comb. This way the comb acts as a barrier between the scissors and your dog's tender skin. You can also use a letter opener, as the cutting edge is on the inside and there is a plastic part between the blade and the dog's skin. Divide the coat into sections by cutting in the direction of the hair growth: this method will remove some extra hair, so use it sparingly. Pay particular attention to flat areas, such as the tail and ears.
- Make sure you use the product regularly to remove ticks and fleas from your dog. Frontline is the best and lasts a good month. If your dog scratches himself more than twice a day, he may have fleas. Especially near the ears: in that case a flea shampoo should be used.
- It is always best to proceed with the shampoo in time and avoid the risk of fleas and ticks laying their eggs on carpets, or other areas that it frequents. One spray can also be effective, but it's impossible to hit them all.
- Always brush the knots from bottom to top. Brushing from the top up is uncomfortable for your dog (and you are brushing the wrong way, anyway), and brushing from top to bottom only makes the coat worse and even hurts. Try doing it with your own hair or that of your girlfriend or wife, and see what they think!
