Splitting hairs

My non-shedding fluffball gets the occasional mat in the usual places - back end, tummy, armpits, ears. What's the best way to remove?

Combing them out is time-consuming and pulls on the hair, even if I hold the mat. Someone mentioned a mat splitter to me. I googled it and it looked like a torture device. How do you use it safely?

Any other ideas on mat removal, please?

Georgina Kay, by email

Dread-ful locks

Can anyone recommend a shampoo/conditioner which will help stop my Lurcher's fur matting?

Bella's got a mixture of soft/course hair and gets brushed three times a day, yet I'm having huge problems with dreadlocks. I don't want to have her shaved if at all possible.

Thanks,

Elspeth Winter Rose, via Facebook

Brushing up on grooming

Hi,

I hope you can help. We’re new to the dog world but hoping I’ve come to the right place as we’ve just had a homecheck and been approved to adopt a rescue dog from a Greyhound charity.

I’m emailing for a few tips on grooming and what the best products are as we’d like to do the majority at home, but will take our new dog to a professional when he or she needs it.

Mr and Mrs Porter, by email

Good hair day

Dear Dogs Today,

Can anyone suggest a good brush for my mum's Sheltie, Sherry? Mum needs something that is easy to hold, and something that can see to Sherry's double coat.

Thanks,

V. Dixon, by email




Katie at FURminator says...

Due to the long coat length of your Sheltie, coupled with its breed size, we would recommend that you use a FURminator deShedding tool, specifically the Medium Size, Long Haired variety.

FURminator deShedding tools are not a blade but a specifically designed edge to cater for your pet’s exact coat and body type. The toothed edge safely removes all the loose undercoat without disturbing or cutting the top coat. With regular use you should see both a reduction of loose hair as well as an improvement to your pet’s top coat.

The ergonomic handle gives the tool ease of use which we recommend you do 1-2 times a week for 10-20 minutes each session.

We always recommend that you brush out any matts or tangles from your pet’s coat before using your deShedding tool. A suitable brush or comb can be found within the FURminator grooming range.

Chip, not snip

Hi there,

Here's my first question for the Think Tank! Where is the best place to
buy a grooming table for small - medium sized dogs to have at my
training centre to use when microchipping dogs? I don't need arms, or
for it to be adjustable or on wheels, as once it's in place it won't
move. More important is that it's sturdy and won't tip over or move, and
I can have it in a corner.

Would accept second hand if in good condition if one of your contacts
has one, but must be easy to clean.

Thank you!

Linda, by email