Hey there, Doodle Owners! Elina here. If you're like 90% of other Doodle Owners, you struggle with brushing tangles/mats from your dog's hair. Trust me, you're not alone in this.
Detangling a Doodle's hair is a common challenge, which is why I created the best guide for detangling your Doodle's hair.
By the end of this article, you'll understand properly take care of your dog's coat to keep it soft, floofy, and mat free!
Understanding Doodle Coat Types
Doodles are a crossbreed between a Poodle and another dog breed such as a Labrador, Bernese Mountain Dog, Golden Retriever, etc. This means they can have a variety of dog coat types: double, curly, wavy, or straight.
Double coats and curly coats, like those of a Poodle, are more prone to tangling and matting. Wavy coats are less likely to tangle. And straight coats are the easiest to manage, yet still need to be regularly brushed.
Why Regular Detangling is Important
So why is regular detangling so important? Detangling your dog's coat isn't just about "looking good", it's important for the overall health and well-being of your pup:
- Matted dog fur can be extremely painful and may even lead to skin irritation and skin infections for your Doodle.
- Fleas and ticks can hide in a matted coat, making them difficult to detect.
- Detangling prrevents matting, reduces shedding, and distributes natural oils throughout your dog's skin.
Step-by-Step: How To Detangle Doodle Hair
Before you begin, make sure you have all your tools ready and within reach. Here are the best items for properly detangling your Doodle's coat.
Detangling Spray:
A good detangling spray can make a huge difference. I recommend the Dood Woof Doodle Detangler Spray, as it is specifically formulated for Doodles, free from harsh chemicals, and made with human-grade ingredients.
A Detangling Spray is a must for loosening tangles/mats to ensure you aren't hurting your dog during brushing.
Slicker Brush:
A slicker brush is a must-have for Doodle dog owners. The fine wire bristles help to gently remove tangles and mild hair mats. Also, regular brushing is needed to remove loose fur and distribute natural oils throughout the dog's skin and coat.
Metal Comb:
A wide-toothed metal comb is great for working through tangles and ensuring that the coat is thoroughly brushed.
Step 2: Inspect for Matted Hair
Begin by carefully inspecting your Doodle's coat for tangles and mats. Pay extra attention to areas that are prone to matted fur, such as behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar.
Step 3: Apply Detangling Spray
Spray your dog's coat with Dood Woof Doodle Detangler Spray, spraying more on the tangled areas.
Step 4: Brush and Comb
Using your slicker brush, gently work through the tangles, starting at the ends of the hair and working towards the roots. Gently pinching the base of a mat while detangling reduces discomfort for your up.
After brushing, use a comb to ensure that all tangles have been removed. If you encounter another mat or tangle, spray Dood Woof Doodle Detangler Spray and use your fingers to gently loosen it before re-brushing.
Step 5: Final Check for Matted Dog Hair
Once you've finished brushing and combing, recheck your Doodle's coat to ensure it's completely tangle-free. Run your fingers through the coat, and if you feel any remaining tangles, repeat steps 3-5.
Tips for Preventing Tangles
While regular detangling is important, here are ways to prevent tangles/mats from forming in the first place.
- Brush your dog's hair regularly, ideally every day or every other day (especially for long hair dogs).
- Make sure your Doodle is getting a balanced diet and staying hydrated. This will help to keep a strong, healthy coat that is less prone to tangling.
- Dry mats are easier to remove than wet ones.
- Use detangling spray and slicker brush between grooming sessions to keep the coat tangle-free.
Dealing with Severe Mats
If the mat is too severe, use your best judgment and reach out to a professional groomer to remove the matted dog hair.
Recommended Products for Detangling
Here is a list of the Best Grooming Product for Doodles.
Conclusion
While tangled hair and matted hair is a common issue for dog owners, brushing your dog regularly and using a Detangler Spray between will help keep your dog's coat in its best condition.
Comment below and let me know what tips/tricks you have for detangling and preventing matting in your Doodle's hair!
