How to Clean the Matted Hair Under the Eyes of a Maltese

The Maltese has a particularly high-maintenance coat. The low shedding, fine hair grows long if not cut and can easily tangle. Tangles and knots, if not attended to, can cause matting. Mats are uncomfortable for dogs because the larger they get, the heavier they are and the tighter they pull on the skin. Matting underneath the eye can be especially dangerous because the pulling on the skin can cause inflammation and infection of the eyes. Mats underneath the eye should be detangled as soon as their formation is noticed. Prevention, through daily grooming, is the best way ensure the health of a Maltese.

Things You'll Need

  • Comb
  • Blunt tip scissors
  • Dog detangler conditioner or oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay the Maltese down in a comfortable position with its head in your lap. Let the dog relax for a few minutes before grooming.

    • 2

      Spray the dog detangling conditioner or oil on your fingers and work it into the matted hair. Do not get the product in the dog's eyes.

    • 3

      Pull the top of the mat with your fingers from the sides to separate it. Do not pull up and keep the mat close to the skin so that it does not pull the skin.

    • 4

      Hold the hair firm at the root and attempt to comb through the mat. Start at the top of the mat and gently untangle the knots with the comb. If the mat does not loosen without pulling, it is best to cut it out because of its location in the sensitive area underneath the eyes.

    • 5

      Use the blunt tip scissors to cut into the matted hair vertically. Use your fingers to pull the matted hair from the sides after each vertical cut until it is untangled.

    • 6

      Comb out the hair after all of the matted hair has been removed and trim the hair evenly.