The Great Pyrenees' thick double coat can easily become matted, especially in areas where the fur is longest, such as around the neck, tail, and legs.
Regular brushing is essential to prevent matting. In fact, the article notes that Great Pyrenees should be brushed at least 3-4 times a week to prevent matting and tangling.
Matted fur can be painful for your Great Pyrenees, so it's crucial to regularly inspect their coat and address any mats or tangles as soon as possible.
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Causes and Prevention
Great Pyrenees matted fur is a common issue many owners face, and understanding the causes and prevention methods is key to keeping your dog's coat healthy and mat-free.
Friction is a major contributor to matting, especially in areas with the most wear and tear, such as the armpits, legs, and behind the ears.
Seasonal changes can also lead to matting, particularly during shedding season when loose fur can get tangled and form mats.
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Allergies can cause excessive licking and itching, leading to matting, especially in long-haired dogs.
Fleas can also cause matting through excessive scratching.
Water can contribute to matting, especially if your dog enjoys swimming or plays outside in wet conditions.
To prevent matting, a strong and healthy coat is essential, which relies on proper nutrition, including Omega-3's in their diet.
Feeding animal-based oils like fish oil, krill oil, or salmon oil is recommended over plant-based oils.
Choosing the right brush is crucial, with slicker brushes being ideal for long, heavy-coated dogs.
Bathing your dog regularly can help keep their skin and coat in optimal condition, but be sure to use a gentle shampoo and moisturizing conditioner.
Brushing your dog is the best way to prevent matting and exfoliate the skin, and using a moisture or detangling spray can help prevent static electricity.
Keeping your dog's hair at a manageable length through regular grooming can also help prevent matting.
Getting your dog's hair cut every 4-6 weeks can help keep them at a manageable length and prevent matting.
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Treatment and Dematting
Matted fur on Great Pyrenees can be a real challenge, but the good news is that it's often preventable with early treatment. If you detect mild matting, it's best to avoid bathing your dog, as water will only make the mats tighter.
Brushing out mild matting can be time-consuming and sometimes painful for your dog, so it's not always the best option. If you do decide to brush out the mats, use detangling sprays, products, and tools to make the process easier.
Dematting severe matting can be a daunting task, but it's essential to do it safely and humanely. The safest way to remove severe mats is to clip your dog's hair short, especially if the mats are tight to the skin.
The length of the hair clip will depend on how tight the mats are, and sometimes we can get longer blades underneath the mats to salvage some length. However, if the mats are very tight, we may need to use our shortest blade available to remove them, resulting in very short hair.
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Grooming Routine and Tools
Brushing your Great Pyrenees at least 30 minutes a week is crucial to prevent mats and tangling, and can be done in one sitting or broken down into three 10-minute sessions.
Regular brushing also removes dead hair, which is especially important for Great Pyrenees since they shed a lot. Brushing outside is recommended to prevent loose hairs from collecting inside your home.
To make grooming easier, it's best to gather and keep all your grooming tools in one place. This way, you won't have to run around searching for a comb or brush, which can slow down the process.
Here's a list of the essential grooming tools you'll need:
- Curved slicker brush
- Soft bristle brush
- Wide-toothed comb
- Mat splitter
- Nail clippers (guillotine works best on dewclaws)
- Toothbrush and dog toothpaste
- Cotton balls
- Ear wipes
- De-tangling spray (optional)
- Soft, damp cloth
Brushing your Great Pyrenees at least twice a week is crucial, using a slicker brush and a rake to prevent mats and tangles. This regular grooming routine will reduce shedding and maintain the coat's natural beauty.
Using a metal slicker brush with curved bristles and a stainless-steel comb with wide teeth is the best way to brush your Great Pyrenees. Use the former first to remove dead and loose hair, and the latter last to get deep down.
Brush Your Dog with Multiple Brushes
Brushing your Great Pyrenees is a must, and using multiple brushes is the way to go. Experts recommend brushing for at least 30 minutes a week, which can be broken down into 10-minute sessions three times a week or done in one sitting once a week.
You'll need a metal slicker brush with curved bristles to remove dead and loose hair. A stainless-steel comb with wide teeth is also a must to get deep down and prevent mats and tangles. Brushing your big dog outside is recommended to prevent loose hairs from collecting inside your home.
Brushing twice a week is a good rule of thumb, using a slicker brush and a rake to reduce shedding and maintain the coat's natural beauty. Don't forget to give extra attention to your Pyr's neck, the back of their legs, tail, and butt, as these areas are prone to matting.
Grooming and Trimming
The Great Pyrenees is a majestic breed, but their beautiful coats require regular grooming to prevent matting.
You'll want to brush your Great Pyrenees at least 30 minutes per week, broken down into 10-minute sessions three times a week or done in one sitting once a week. Brushing prevents mats and tangling and removes dead hair.
Brushing outside is recommended, especially since Great Pyrenees don't mind the cold. This will help prevent loose hairs from collecting inside your home.
The fur between their toes and around their ears may need regular thinning to prevent matting and enhance comfort. Thinning shears can be used to remove excess hair in these areas.
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Sources
- https://www.great-pyrenees-club-of-southern-ontario.com/grooming-matted-great-pyr.html
- https://iheartdogs.com/7-vital-tips-for-grooming-a-great-pyrenee/
- https://www.hepper.com/great-pyrenees-haircuts/
- https://upnorthpyrenees.com/washing-and-combing-your-great-pyrenees/
- https://woofgangflemingisland.com/blog/what-your-groomer-wants-you-to-know-about-matting/
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