If you own a dog with long hair, you know very well about the problem of mats and tangles. They can cause ulcers on the skin and may lead to a dog having to have its coat completely cut. If you maintain a proper grooming routine, the majority of mats and tangles can be eliminated before they get out of control. Any dog, however, can get a matted or tangled coat after spending the day at the woods or by swimming in a pond or lake.

Below are different ways that a dog owner can work with matted and tangled hair in their dogs, which will painless for your dog and easy for you. Some of the best ways to remove tangles include:

• Use a wide toothed comb or a pin brush and navigate from the outside of the tangle towards the dog’s body. Start with small amounts of hair to detangle, whether than trying to detangle the whole knot at once.

• Use a detangler designed for dogs. These can be purchased online or in pet stores and are safe to use on your dog’s hair and skin. 

• You can use baby oil on your dog to detangle if a detangler solution is not available. Utilize a small amount as you gently work the oil into the tangle with your fingers. To decrease the tangle, do not use a circular motion. Using a circular motion can increase the hair tangle.

• To eliminate the possibility of the hair becoming tangled again, spray mink oil on your dog after you have removed the knots from its coat.

• Many times when your dog gets a mat, it is developed around a twig, burr or stick that has been caught in your dog’s coat. Try not to get the comb caught in the fur where the mat and whatever object is caught up in your dog’s hair, because this will cause your dog to be in pain. Use your fingers to detangle if you discover that the twig or object is deeply entangled in the mat. Pointing the scissors away from your dog’s body, cut the patch of hair that has the mat and object. Do this as a last resort. Never cut the dog’s skin to detangle a mat, because this will harm your dog.

• Check for mats in inconspicuous locations on your dog, such as on the front and back of the legs, behind the legs, around the collar, behind his ears and on the leggings. 

• Allow the detangler to sit on your dog for a while if you notice that your dog is getting sensitive in a certain area. Your dog will become less cooperative if its skin becomes irritated.

It is much easier to work with your dog’s hair when it is clean and conditioned then when it is dead and dried out. To keep your dog’s hair in tiptop condition, maintain a good grooming routine. Doing so will also keep mats and tangles to a minimum. Knowing how to detangle your dog’s hair also means fewer trips to the vet and a happier, healthier dog for you and your family.

Article provided by Harry Johnston of <a href="http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/dog-carriers/">Oh My Dog Supplies</a>, check for current discounts on  <a href="http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/dog-bowls/">dog dishes</a> online.