Things You'll Need
- Dog brush
- Dog fine-tooth comb
- Treats
- Baby oil
- Scissors
- Dog clippers
Instructions
Start by combing and brushing your Maltese to assess the overall level of matting. Smaller mats can be easily removed with a thorough brushing and with the help of your fingers. Remember to praise and reward your Maltese throughout the grooming session with some tasty treats for compliant behavior.
Saturate the larger mats with baby oil and let it sit for several minutes. This should help loosen up the mats. Work on breaking the larger mats into smaller sections by brushing the hair near the mat. Once the mat is smaller, use the end tooth of the fine-tooth comb to tease the mat apart. Brush out the tangles until the brush flows freely.
Open the scissors and slide one blade through a thin layer of hair near the base of the mat and cut the mat free, making sure you do not cut through the skin. Always be sure you see the scissor blade and cut up and away from the skin. Use extreme caution, and never cut in the same direction as the skin, recommend Pet Place veterinarians (Reference 3).
Clip the coat short if there is severe matting and your Maltese seems to be in pain. Always use the clippers to cut up and away from the skin. Be very careful, as it may be challenging at times to differentiate where the mats end and the skin begins. Trim your Maltese's coat into an attractive trim or a "puppy cut."