How to Cut a Poodle's Matted Hair

A poodle's coat is one of its most distinguishing features. Owners meticulously groom and clip the breed's curly, dense coat into a variety of appearances that look immaculate in the show ring. A poodle needs regularly grooming; otherwise its hair fills with mats and tangles that are difficult to remove.

Things You'll Need

  • Detangling solution
  • Brush
  • Clippers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Thoroughly wet all the mats in the poodle's hair with the detangling product. Many different types of detangler are available at your local pet store. Work the product into the mats with your hands.

    • 2

      Separate the mats into small sections when the hair and product have almost dried. Brush each small section thoroughly, working from the top down to the skin.

    • 3

      Clip the mats out with an electric trimmer if you have one. Use a #5 or #7 blade if the mats aren't too thick. If the mats are very thick, use #8 through blades. Be careful not to catch the dog's skin with the blade.

    • 4

      Use the comb method with scissors if you don't have a clipper. Take a fine tooth comb and slide it into the hair between the mat and the skin. Cut the hair between the mat and the comb.

    • 5

      Cut through the base of the mat itself if you can't get a comb under the base. Be sure to cut the mat in an upward direction and away from the skin. If the mat is very thick, take one blade of the scissors and slide it all the way through a small portion of the mat. Cut each small portion of the mat until you completely remove the mat.