How to Remove Hair Balls From My Dog

Dogs with long or thick coats are commonly plagued with matted hair and knots when they shed. Aside from regular grooming, a few simple tools and tricks at home can help remove excess hair from a pet. For extreme matting that is close to the skin, a visit to a groomer or veterinarian may be necessary. The best way to keep knots at bay is to keep a dog's hair clean and brush it regularly.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog brush
  • Shedding tool
  • Scissors
  • Cornstarch
  • Pet-friendly conditioner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush a dog's hair daily. Repeated brushing can help loosen knots that have already formed and can prevent new ones. Start with the smoothest hair and work the brush in long strokes toward matted hair. If the hair snags in a brush, try working through the knot with a comb or shedding tool, which contains a small razor blade in the comb.

    • 2

      De-tangle knots with your fingers. Start at the center of the knot and work it into two smaller knots, then work each of those knots into two more smaller knots and so on until the hair is loose enough to brush.

    • 3

      Sprinkle cornstarch on hair balls. According to "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats," cornstarch can make knots easier to pull apart. Add more cornstarch as the knot loosens until hair is easy to brush.

    • 4

      Trim out stubborn knots with scissors. Use your fingers as a barrier between the hair and dog's skin and cut out small bits at a time until the hair can be brushed.

    • 5

      Spray conditioner on the knot. Pet stores sell versions of canine-friendly conditioners and de-tangling sprays, which typically contain lanolin, according to "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats." Also, use a conditioner during a dog's bath to help maintain a shiny coat and brush the hair as it dries.