I know that some of you have yorkies so I need some advice..
Domo's puppy hair is short, but it's matted at the base, nearest to his skin. I got on this yorkie site and read about brushes and detanglers...I ordered the good stuff online, but it's going to take some time to get here. I went and bought a brush and comb yesterday that didn't work. Then after reading more, I went and bought the right type of comb and the best brush I could find, which happened to also be what the pet store recommended. Also bought some detangler. It's not specifically formulated for yorkies, but I have to do something. I can't wait for his yorkie stuff in the mail or his hair will be really bad...

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If the hair is matted clear to the skin, then I'd be VERY careful brushing and combing it. Maybe a clipping would be kinder, and then keep it combed and brushed when growing out. A groomer would probably be able to give you advice. Depends on how 'matted' it is, and how close to the skin. Good luck.

Can you get a picture?

I work in grooming. If the mats are tight and close to the skin it is kindest to shave the dog, IMO.

If there are not a lot of them or they aren't tight to the skin, you can try gently combing them out. You can also use a scissors to "break" them, by coming through the mat in the middle.

If you use a brush do not do it a lot or you will have brush burn.

And, don't wash your wee one now. Water tightens mats down as the dog dries, making it harder to get them out. If you wash him, you have to comb all of the mats out while the dog is wet. Conditioner is sometimes helpful for this.

We had a mini schnauzer and when he would get a close mat, we would have him shaved. Looks a bit silly, but then we would have a fresh start and could keep up with it as it grew out. Unfortunately most of the time it would happen in the winter when he would get balls of snow stuck in his fur, which is not a good time to have no winter coat!

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In the future with your schnauzer try taking a comb through him as the snow melts. While the coat is wet it is flexible, and as the matting dries it gets tighter. If you comb it all out it should prevent issues and allow him to keep his fur.

Oh, he passed away a couple of years ago. He had arthritis for many years so we often couldn't comb, but that's what we did when he was younger. So much work!


Sent from my iPhone using PG Free

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This is what Gidget looked like after we had to have her shaved down when we first got her, and she was matted. I tried to find the pic of her standing up so you could see her fluffy tail and lion head but shaved body. The vet said we didn't have a choice because she was matted, but my Mom didn't know how to get them out and made it worse. Everyone is right--don't bathe him you will make it worse. Also it may be the kinder thing to shave him. We absolutely ADORED Gidget shaved! I'm sure he will be adorable!! But keep in mind it will grow!

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"Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one, is a life diminished."Dean Koontz

honestly, I don't think the matts are that bad..I just don't have the best tools, I think. I bought the right type of comb and after letting the detangler set in, it helped a bit. I'm just going to work at it slowly. Half the battle is holding him still. Little wiggler, it takes two of us! Thank you all for the help. I'm going to work at it today and see if I can make any improvement.

Sidenote: We shave Taji a few times a year-he looks ridiculous hehehehehe

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