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NOT ENOUGH BRUSHING IS BONE OF CONTENTION FOR THIS POOCH!
DEAR MISS SENOIA: My name is Roxy and I'm a Shih Tzu with a very loving family!
However, they're not sure how often they should brush me and what type of brush to use. I now have a lot of mats and they're also very uncomfortable. How often should I be brushed to avoid these nasty mats?
-- MATTED IN PEACHTREE CITY
DEAR MATTED IN PEACHTREE CITY: Oh, this question is posed to my dad a lot and it is a very good one indeed! I've overheard a lot of reasons in the spa as to why their beloved pets gets in this type of condition and here are just a few of my favorites:
1) "It was real windy yesterday."
2) "When she sits down the hair on the back of her legs sort of creases."
3) "He was brushed out but on the way here, someone cut me off and I had to slam on the brakes and he went rolling on the back seat. It must have happened then?"
What ever the reason, such lovely breeds such as yourself who have coats that are kept longer should truly be brushed at a minimum of three times a week. Doing so promotes new coat growth, helps to evenly distribute your coats natural oils, produces a shiny and healthy coat and of course, keeps your coat from tangling and matting. It also provides some good one-on-one bonding time between you and your family members!
Depending on how matted you are, it may be easier to have your coat cut shorter to get them out, especially if they are close to your skin (thus, why they may be uncomfortable).
Otherwise, with a little time and patience they can be worked out with the proper brush.
IMPORTANT TIP: Your coat should always be free of tangles and mats before you are bathed! Wetting existing tangles and mats only make them worse. You should always be brushed out after your bath as well.
Here's hoping that you and our fellow pooches are not 'brushed off' in the future! Description of which brush type is best to use based on your coat type.
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