Things You'll Need
- Rat-tail comb, for people or pets
- Slicker brush for pets
- Rake or comb-style mat tool for pets
- Wide-tooth or coarse comb for pets
- Scissors, optional, for pets
- Detangling spray for pet hair
Instructions
Divide large mats up into smaller mats to address them most effectively. Separate the mat into two or three pieces using scissors or another sharp tool. Be careful not to nick your dog.
PIck at the mat using the pointed tip of a rat-tail comb. Gently lift the tip in and out of the hair, picking toward your dog's skin so as not to pull. Your goal is not to remove the mat entirely by picking, but to loosen the hair so you can use a comb to further separate it.
Comb the loosened hair carefully with a wide-toothed or coarse comb. Start at the side of the mat and work carefully toward the center, holding the mat with one hand while you comb with the other to keep from pulling on your dog's skin.
Consider using a detangler on stubborn mats. Spray detanglers are slippery and can help you work out stubborn knots in your dog's coat. Spray the detangler onto the mat until it is fully saturated and then begin carefully picking it apart. Silicone-based products can also help address severe mats when allowed to dry onto the coat.
Bathe your matted dog if the mats refuse to loosen. Although bathing a dog may tighten the mats, a clean and conditioned coat can go a long way toward loosening mats as long as you address them while your Bichon's coat is still wet. Do not rub product into any of the mats in your dog's coat because that can make them worse. To ensure that all the cleaning and conditioning products get where they need to go, you may wish to split larger mats prior to bathing your Bichon.