Mats/Tangles

[2kCougar]

I have a sheltie with belly mats. They're not really tough, it's just clumpy fur. I used to have a long haired cat. When he got mats, they had to be cut out. Hers are more pliable and can be combed out. I brought her to a groomer today and they refused to work on her. I was told that she had to be taken to a vet and sedated, and shaved to get rid of the mats. Now my dog is very well behaved, and she's 11--so putting her "under" is out of the question.

Does anyone have suggestions for detangling her fur? I'm planning on buying a detangling conditioner, but I was wondering if anyone had suggestions. TIA!

[jesvet]

I would try another groomer before giving up. If she's not head to toe nasty mats, I bet you could find someone able to work with her.

[lauren f s]

I would call around and find another groomer. We have a maltese and when we first got her, she had very bad mats. We took her to Petsmart and they were able to shave her without putting her under.

[Sarah051504]

First if you don't have one of these you must get one.

http://www.petco.com/assets/product_images/4/4258367653B.jpg

My MIL has a sheltie and she loves her rake. It gets the loose undercoat really well. I bought one just like this at walmart inthe pet section, it's pretty enexpensive.

I have a maine coon cat which is pretty much just as furry as a sheltie. She gets mats all the time. For the really bad ones I just tak ea pair of kids sissors (the ones with rounded ends) and I cut the mat out. My cats got so much fur you usually don't even notice anythign missing. If they aren't real mad I usually work them out with my fingers mostly but also with a brush and the rake. I slowly seperate the fur and after some work they usually come completly out. It's not an easy task by any means, especially since my cat can't stand to be held down or brushed.

After you get all the mats out use the rake. I swear you will be able to sit there for hours using it and still be getting fur our of your dog.

Hope I helped some.