Use a rake only as a last resort, Borst said, adding that it might be better to trim off the dog's entire coat and start again.
Once you've brushed and combed his coat, bathe your dog in very warm water, apply conditioner and rinse in cool water. Blot — don't scrub — the dog dry with a towel. Then gently comb through the wet coat with a pin brush — another professional trick. Split or separate any remaining tangles.
Although most dogs can use a good brushing, some breeds need more attention than others. "The most common breed that you see problems with is Cocker Spaniels," Borst said. "They need more attention than a Poodle. You almost have to be a professional to keep one decent."
But there is a time in every thick-coated dog's life when tangles become a problem: the change from puppy coat to adult coat. "It's a nightmare," Borst said.
The coat is growing in and falling out rapidly at the same time, becoming a tangled mess. The age this happens varies among breeds and lines within breeds. "That's an excellent time for a pet owner just to have the dog trimmed short," Borst said. "It will encourage the new coat to come in nice, and it will also save you so much battle."
External factors — burrs, rain and fleas — can lead to tangles, too. Borst advises owners to dry-brush out burrs right away, then bathe and apply conditioner. Be sure to brush your dog's legs if damp after walking on a rainy day or dewy morning. And keep the dog flea-free to minimize scratching, which can tangle his coat.
In the time it's taken you to read this, another tangle has probably taken root in your dog's coat. So pick up the comb and start brushing.
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