Doodle, Poodle, and all other “-oodle” coats can be soft, fluffy, and adorable, but they can also mat quickly. Regular brushing and a few simple tricks can make a huge difference between a fluffy coat and a grooming appointment that requires a shorter trim.
Start With Line Brushing
One of the best techniques for keeping coats tangle free is line brushing. Instead of brushing only the surface of the hair, separate the coat into small sections and brush from the skin outward, working your way through the entire coat. You should be able to get your brush all the way down to the skin.
After brushing, use a metal comb to check your work. If the comb can't easily pass through the coat from the skin to the ends, there may still be tangles hiding underneath. Use your brush again, gently work through the tangle, and finish with your comb.
Try this Cornstarch Trick
For small mats, a sprinkle of plain cornstarch can help reduce friction and make the hair easier to work through with your brush. Apply a small amount to the tangled area, gently work it into the coat using your fingers, and then brush through the section.
Never aggressively pull at a mat. If a mat is tight against the skin or can't be safely worked apart, it's best to have a professional groomer handle it.
Don't Forget the Dog Wash!
Baths aren't just about getting your dog clean. Proper washing and drying of the coat is a huge part of preventing mats. Dirty coats cause mats and tangles to form much faster than clean ones do!
Between grooming appointments, utilize the dog wash at Hot Diggity, located right on Main Street in Dennis Port. For $30, you can give your dog a bath and blow dry which will extend the life of your dog’s hair cut and will allow you to keep your pup’s hair longer without tangles.
Using the dryers at Hot Diggity after a bath can help thoroughly dry the coat while you brush it out. Moisture left trapped in a your dog’s coat can cause tangling and make existing mats worse. A clean, completely dry coat is much easier to maintain between professional grooms.
Keep Your Comb Handy
A good slicker brush and metal greyhound-style comb are two of the most useful tools for maintaining your dog’s coat. Pay extra attention to areas that mat easily, including behind the ears, armpits, collar area, legs, and around the tail.
Most importantly, don't wait until your dog's coat looks tangled. A few minutes of brushing every day or every other day is much easier than trying to tackle several weeks of tangles and mats at once.
Regular at-home maintenance, professional grooming, and proper bathing and drying can help keep your pup’s coat healthy, comfortable, and fluffy between appointments.
