If you own a doodle, then you know how important it is to keep their coat looking healthy, shiny, and mat-free. Doodles are known for their beautiful, curly coats, which can easily become matted and tangled if not properly cared for. Even if you take the time for regular brushing, you can still find mats in their coat. Why is that happening, and how can you prevent it from happening again? In this article, we'll explore how to prevent matting in Doodles and what to do when you find matted hair.
Why Do Doodles Get Matted Hair?
If you're the proud owner of a Doodle, you may be familiar with the challenge of keeping their beautiful coat from becoming matted. But why do these furry friends seem to be more prone to matting than other dog breeds?
One reason is their unique coat type. Doodles typically have curly or wavy hair, which can easily become tangled and matted if not kept properly groomed. Additionally, their thick double coats can make it difficult for air to properly circulate, resulting in excess shedding and loose hair that can quickly lead to matting.
Matting occurs when strands of hair become tangled and knotted, trapping loose hair and debris and forming clumps of hair. If not addressed promptly, this can lead to a snowball effect, with the matting becoming tighter and more difficult to remove over time. In some cases, severe matting can even result in pelting, where the mats become so tight that they can cause skin irritations, hot spots, and hair loss.
Common activities and behaviors that can contribute to matting include water exposure, shedding, and petting. To prevent matting in your furry friend, it's important to maintain a regular grooming routine, including daily brushing with a slicker brush or steel comb, especially in areas prone to matting. A professional groomer may also be able to provide additional recommendations and help keep mats at bay. With proper coat care, your Doodle can enjoy a healthy, beautiful coat free from matted hair.
Does Matting Harm Doodles?
As adorable and cuddly as Doodles are, their unique coat type requires special attention. If left unchecked, matting can cause severe discomfort for your furry friend.
Matted hair can cause skin irritations and health problems like infection and parasite infestations. For example, feces can accumulate in matted areas, leading to infections and unpleasant odors. Additionally, mats can pull at your Doodle's skin, causing skin ulcers and damage to their limbs.
How to Prevent Matting
Diet
Proper diet plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and cleanliness of your doodle's coat. Feeding your doodle a high-quality diet with plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids can help keep their coat shiny and healthy. Most commercial diets are unbalanced. You can either opt in for Omega-3 supplements or find foods that contain these fatty acids naturally.
Frequent Brushing with Detangler Spray
Brushing with a Detangler Spray is an effective way to prevent matting in doodles. Before brushing, spritz a detangling spray onto the coat and work it through with your fingers. Detangler sprays provide a protective barrier between the brush and the hair, making it easier to remove knots without damaging or breaking the tangled hair. Start at the neck area and work your way down. We recommend the Knot Today - Hypoallergenic Doodle Detangler Spray as it is the only detangler on the market that is :
- Hypoallergenic
- All Natural
- Alcohol free
- Vegan friendly
- Silicone free
- PH balanced
- Paraben free
- SLS free
- Cruelty free
- Made in the USA
Bathing
Bathing is an essential part of doodle grooming, but should be done sparingly. Too much bathing can dry out the skin and coat, resulting in itching, skin issues and potential matting. It’s best to use a mild shampoo specifically designed for dogs that is free from harsh chemicals or fragrances.
Professional Grooming
Setting a grooming schedule and visiting a professional groomer is critical in matting prevention. Professional groomers have the expertise to identify and treat any problems like matting before they become severe. During your appointments, be sure to ask questions about the grooming process and check the condition of your dog's coat for potential issues.
In general, Doodles should be professionally groomed every six to eight weeks. However, your professional grooming schedule may be adjusted based on your dog's specific coat type and lifestyle.
HELP My Doodle is Matted..Now What?
If you have discovered that your Doodle is matted, it is important to take action quickly.
- Spray Knot Today - Natural Doodle Detangler Spray on the mat to detangle and soften the hair.
- Use a wide-tooth comb or slicker brush (recommendations linked below) to gently separate the hairs. Work in small sections and move in the direction of hair growth so as not to pull or tug at the skin.
- Give your doodle lots of praise and treats! This will make the process more enjoyable for them.
- If the matting is too severe, contact a professional groomer for assistance.
