Difficult matting

[CocoMom]

Hello Everyone,

Newbie here.  We need help with our sweet Coco. She is such a good dog and wants to please us but grooming her has become a difficult time in her life.   She is a Cairn terrier mix and her coat has become very matted.  I brush her about once a week but the mats have gotten out of hand now.  She tolerates being brushed for about 5 minutes and then she starts nipping. I suspect her mats really hurt her skin.  

I have used a baby nail scissors to snip some of the mats from the bottom of the mat away from the skin.  I have used cornstarch, too.  This is effective but she won't let me do more than a few minutes.  I give her treats for sitting patiently.  I could do this a bit each day but it's going to take a long time.

What should we do--work/clip mats out little by little or have her clipped at the groomer?  The mats are concentrated around her neck (I think her collar contributes to this), under each leg and at the base of her tail. She doesn't have much fur on her belly but there are mats near her butt and urinary areas.  

I've attached a photo of Coco so you can see what she looks like.

 

 

[sanford]

I've read that mats tend to tighten when left in place and pull on the skin as they do so. It's uncomfortable/painful for the dog, which can lead to nipping, etc. When mats get really bad, a groomer is required to cut them off and sometimes the dogs are even shaved! With Ruffy, I found that the longer his hair is, the more it tends to mat, so I try to strike a balance between keeping his coat reasonably shaggy, which I like, but within reason, to avoid matting.

P.S. I've seen mat remover tools at Petco and online, but never used one.

[Hillscreek]

Yes Coco is very sweet!

If mats get tight and pull on the skin which is painful then maybe a visit to the vet is a good idea. They will be able to get the mats out. Then check her coat daily and  brush/comb very frequently as her coat grows back in those areas. Good luck with your little sweetheart.

[CocoMom]

Thank you so much!  I appreciate your kind advice.  I was able to snip out the mats everywhere except her backside.   I hope to get to those in the morning when she's more relaxed.  She is looking much better!  I have all the equipment just need the confidence to do the job.

Best regards.