How to Remove Tangles in a Dog's Hair

Keeping your dog's coat healthy requires regular grooming, including washing and brushing. If a dog's coat is not detangled regularly, matting will develop, which can cause sores in sensitive areas, such as behind the ears or in the armpits. Certain breeds of dogs require more care than others. For example, breeds with longer coats, such as a cocker spaniel, necessitate more frequent brushing than a short-haired pug.

Things You'll Need

  • Wide-toothed comb
  • Pet detangler
  • Mink oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate the tangles that need to be removed from your dog's coat. Inspect behind the dog's ears, in the armpits, along the legs, and around the neck for tangles, as these are areas where tangles frequently form.

    • 2

      Mist the affected area with a pet hair detangler to soften the hair and make it easier to remove the tangle. Do not use a product formulated for humans, as these can throw off the pH balance of a dog's skin, causing irritation.

    • 3

      Starting from the bottom of the tangle and working your way towards the dog's body, use a wide-toothed comb to remove the tangle. Work gently to cause your pet as little discomfort as possible.

    • 4

      Comb the entire dog's body smooth, after individual tangles have been removed.

    • 5

      Mist the dog's fur with mink oil to help prevent tangles from forming as readily.