Things You'll Need
- Scissors
- Cornstarch
- Pick comb
- Wide tooth comb
- Narrow tooth comb
- Brush
- Conditioner
Instructions
Hold securely onto the mat, if possible, with one hand. Carefully use scissors to cut off the top of the mat. Be very careful not to cut any skin while doing this. Always keep your fingers between the dog's skin and the scissors.
Sprinkle cornstarch on the mat and on the fur surrounding the mat. Cornstarch won't hurt the dog if he licks it and, according to Bichon Frise Information Station, cornstarch helps loosen up the fur strands.
Work the cornstarch into the mat, if you can, with the tips of your fingers. Use a pick comb to gently tease the mat apart. Use the scissors to cut off more and more of the mat, without cutting the dog.
Comb the area with a wide tooth comb. If the comb gets stuck on the mat, do not pull; instead, stop and add more cornstarch and then use the pick on it again. When you've separated the mat some more, use the wide tooth comb again.
Use a narrow tooth comb to comb out the remainder of the mat. Follow this with a thorough brushing.