Remedies for Matted Hair in a Schnauzer Poodle Mix

Matted fur is not just a health threat to schnauzer-poodle mix dogs; it is unhealthy for all dogs in general. Poodles and schnauzers have coarse, curly hair that requires regular trimming and grooming to keep it manageable. Dogs, not receiving necessary grooming, are at a higher risk for matted fur. Matting is fur that tangles and knots, sometimes all the way down to the dog's skin, causing painful sores and infection.

  1. Causes of Matted Fur

    • Regular grooming will prevent matted fur.

      It takes time for matting to become threatening to the health and well-being of a dog. Dogs, such as, schnauzer poodle mixes, and other breeds with longer, coarse, or curly fur seem to suffer the most. Often it is due to ignorance on the part of the owner. He just has not been educated properly on the grooming necessities of the breed. When the dog does not receive regular grooming, brushing or bathing, the matting starts. It will usually begin with a small area that feels like a knot in the fur. Over time, this node becomes larger and deeper into the fur as the grooming continues to be neglected.

    Detanglers for Matted Fur

    • Pet supply stores and some veterinarians, carry spray-on detanglers for dogs with coarse, curly hair. Designed to separate hairs, and prevent knots, detanglers are useful in the removal of matted fur, as well. Spray detangler directly on the mats. Allow a few minutes for the detangler to lubricate it. Use a fine-toothed, metal comb, to pull the knots apart gently. There is no need to bathe the dog after this; the ingredients get absorbed into the dog's coat.

    Oil Remedy for Matted Fur

    • Olive oil is an inexpensive aid in removing matted fur.

      Oil such as olive, vegetable, mineral or baby oil can help in detangling matted fur. The oil should be poured on the matted areas, and rubbed into the fur. This is to lubricate the mat and facilitate pulling it apart with the fingers and then a fine-toothed metal comb. Bathing the dog first, and adding the oil to the wet mats may increase the success of this method. However, bathing is a requirement after using the oil. Leaving oil on the dog's coat will eventually add to the problem by encouraging more matting to develop.

    Shaving to Remove Matted Fur

    • Sometimes the best option for the dog is to cut off the matted fur, allowing the skin to heal. That is usually easier said than done, the dog is already in pain and distress, and may need to be sedated by a veterinarian in order to complete the job properly. Once sedation takes effect, the veterinarian or groomer will likely shave off all of the hair, allowing it to grow back fresh. The dog may need antibiotics depending on the severity of the sores under the mats. In most cases, the hair will grow back normally, the wounds heal, and with proper grooming, the mats do not return.