Matting:  Are there products that break down matts, make grooming easier  nourishes skin etc?

Definitely use the clippers first, if it’s very bad then go to a groomers - they deal with this all the time so will be more efficient at getting rid of the matts and will probably cause less pain for the dogs (having sharper blades and high quality clippers). Then either they can bath, or you bath - never bath a matted dog as 1) the matts will hold so much water that they’ll take an age to dry but mainly 2) because the matts will hold so much water they will then become much more painful for the dog as the weight of them will pull more on the skin. Personally I’d have a browse of groomers near you and take her to the one that sounds best for what you’re looking for (if she’s very timid etc and how they’ll deal with her) if she freaks and they’re unable to safely do her themselves then it may end up taking her to the vets to get it done. Matting, if really bad, can be awfully painful and needs to be removed for the dogs welfare. We had a case just a couple weeks ago where a dogs tail was literally a few weeks max from falling off due to severe matting. Hope you manage to get her sorted Hoggie (Wrote a reply to previous thread and pasted it here)

In short, if the matts are very bad and close to the skin then nothing can be done except remove them (safest way by clippers, and by a professional as you can nick the skin if very close). Otherwise you can get thinners and brush them out. Matts come under the animal welfare act though so best shout is to go to a groomers and keep on top of the coat once they’ve been removed

How matted is the dog? As in are they tight to the skin? I’m no grooming expert but if they aren’t really tight to the skin I would cut them out with scissors as less traumatic than clippers if the dog is not used to them. If they are really bad matts I don’t think any product will get them out and lots of combing will be quite painful.

And yes as madforlabs has said if really close to skin the clippers is the only option. Vets will sedate off necessary and do it for you

masajackrussell> How matted is the dog?  The daggs I cut off earlier were between her toes and not close to ing at the matting on her legs, they are solid masses.  swwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Soz, my cat stamped on the keys of the laptop so replied before completion. If I can gain her confidence tomorrow, I think the ones on her tum are  more loose

If they are real solid I would be inclined to see if the vets can sort her under sedation. At least then if the vet clips her short all over the skin will get a chance to breath and any angry sore areas can be addressed.  Its not worth hurting her doing it yourself if really bad as she won't forget that.  Plus she can start to be gently brushed with short hair and no possibility of it hurting which will help her confidence for normal grooming when her coat has regrown.    Doing it at vets would also mean whole dog can be properly accessed while sleepy, teeth ,eyes, claws and as a spaniel and matted probably her ears will need a proper clean- those floppy ears can get very manky/infected if neglected.  again if need cleaning best done sedated as may well hurt badly.  Ps I would not attempt to save any of her coat- get the lot off- you need to see what is going on underneath and it will grow back.  Well done to you for taking her in

Agree with weimed.  Sometimes a restart is the best option.

Mane and tail spray is excellent for ongoing maintenance too, so I'm told - helps prevent knotting - I'm buying some myself next week to try on some of my regulars.

> If I can gain her confidence tomorrow, I think the ones on her tum are  more loose

Is this a stray you've taken in or something? If it is a vet may be the best bet so the can sedate her and get it all off in one go.

When I was helping a friend groom someone's dog who had a few mats they told me really you need to get the mats and knots out first before bathing or when they dry they tighten. She had a mitty Matty breaker and carefully sizzoring got them out in the end.

Madforlabs:[/i] Matted Coat.
Thank you for responding. Took your advice and asked a 'groomer' friend of mine to visit this afternoon rather than cause the little dog any further stress with another car journey. (bless, she was 'shaking in her shoes' when she arrived here yesterday).  I think she has been handled previously but she has no microchip when scanned. Looking more closely this morning, she wasn't overly happy about me cutting the loose dags off her tum which were dangling anyway (there were several treats involved) but her legs and tail are solid lumps.  I switched the clippers on and placed them under the table - they are a definate no no by her reaction and so Vet it is. Rightly or wrongly, I also gave her a 'spot on' flea treatment as a precaution. Nails on her front paws were very long but again, she is such a lovely wee thing, she didn't object that much even though there was the usual cracking sound when cutting them. Thnak you again.  I'll post an update asap.

Weimed> if the vet clips her short all over the skin will get a chance to breath and any angry sore areas can be addressed.

Full MOT it is. Her ears are matted at the outer edges.  They don't feel hot but yes they do smell as she does all over so yip, it's going to be full on.
although a pleasure to see her eyes 'dance' when the worst is over and she settles in - she is already a little smasher for the fact she has survived street life for god knows
how long? so well done to her

JoStockbridge:> Is this a stray you've taken in or something?

Yes, she was found roaming on our local beach.  She will be one of three brought to me but never had one in such a sorry state.  I'll get her sorted though
and gain her confidence...a little bit of understanding re her plight will be the main objective.  Thank you for you response and your advice re 'sizzoring'
which has helped her today.  Full Vet sedation is her only option as things stand. Glad you have highlighted the reasons for not bathing a matted dog - it
would have been my first choice but totally understand now that we shouldn't.
.

Nikita: > Mane and tail spray is excellent for ongoing maintenance
Thanks for the advice,  looking on line  assume this is a horse product? (I only used cheap conditioner for my ponies). I'll wait until she has been 'scalped' all over and any skin problems addressed and then use it as you directed. (maintenance)
I have no experience with a heavy/long coated dog so this advice is invaluable. Cheers

Hoggie- when you take her up the vet ask them to have a good feel while she is sedated and see if they can feel a spay scar.  while she is relaxed would be easier to examine her for it and would save her having unnecessary surgery if has already been done!

Weimed:  Yes of course.. great point!.thanks, with her general health issues taking priority, I wouldn't have thought to ask this as part of the checks.  Thank you.
If there is no spay scar I will give her time to adjust to her new life before taking her back in.  There is no chance of her getting 'caught' if spaying hasn't been
done as I intend to have her  with me constantly over the next 6/8 weeks while her confidence in humans is renewed.

with any luck she has been done :)  but I know you will watch over her carefully so no danger with you of getting caught and I totally agree- elective surgery is for way off in future once her health and happiness is restored.

another issue- once she is shaved have a good look round her neck/shoulders for scarring.  It is not unknown for stolen bitches to be found with microchip cut out- abandoned if no good for breeding

weimed:> have a good look round her neck/shoulders for scarring

This would be an act of depravity in anybody's comprehension.  Micrchips move around the body after time so would some sick individual keep digging for it?
Horrendous! Sickening! Disgusting! Never heard of such a thing. The little one is now lying on the tiled part of the floor even though a padded bed is available
to her and although very loving when held, she seems terrified of feet. I'll report back with Vet's findings tomoz.

https://www.irishpost.com/news/horror-as-dog-stolen-from-wexford-found-with-microchip-cut-out-of-her-skin-189052#:~:text=The%20thieves%20who%20had%20stolen%20Daisy%20and%20her,the%20street%20120km%20from%20her%20home%20in%20Wexford.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-50867797

There has sadly been a few like this :(  there are some evil people.

weimed: Evil - most definately! They will probably never be found, or if they are, not prosecuted by our incompetent government.  If we all do our little bit then hopefully some will be saved from a terrible life! Just don't know what as animal lovers we can influence at govt level - the last debate was a farce!

Good for you taking this one in.

Perhaps the vet could also do a wide scan in case of a migrated chip?

If there is evidence of a microchip’s having been removed, she may be one of these lost or stolen female cockers https://www.doglost.co.uk/dog-search.php?status=Lost&page=1

Has anyone checked on dog lost ? The dog came from somewhere and may be someones much loved pet who has disappeared at some point ? Not necessarily local either.
Police probaly dont have records of much but might be worth contatcing vets around the area too. Or some of the fb groups who search

I would definitely make sure thats done although if the dog was found by a rescue surely they would have done that? worth doing again when dog is at the vets though

I think she will be so much more comfortable once clipped out.  I suspect she is lying on floor as too hot with all that matted coat, if she has been kept outside in kennel/shed recently then being in a house will be very warm with all that coat on.   Will be interesting to see how well muscled she is once clipped- if lacking then probably not been out walking for a long time which long claws suggest too.  Also are there houses near the beach she was found at?  if not suggests deliberate abandonment rather then loss.
poor little mite.

I used a Matt Splitter bought at a show to help deal with the coat of acastrated.Samoyed, whose dead coat had formed a dense felted layer into his growing undercoat.

Fortunately this was growing away from the skin.

They had been grooming by brushing on top and wondered why he smelt after bathing!!!

They were going on holiday, but threatened to have him shaved, but said, do what you think.

I took scisdors and cut off the coat to about an inch.

I then bought the Matt splitter, detangling spray and thinning scissors.

The matt splitter looked like a comb made of curved blades. By gently running them through the matted coat after spraying with detangle I was able to cut through the raft of mats. These then were easy to comb out with wide toothed comb.

The detangling spray really helped.

When I was done I seemed to end upbwith about 2 inches if coat.

I then used thinning scissors to blend in the coat.

I cut the coat in potential tangling/clumping areas like armpits, inner thighs, around genitals and tummy very short, but left hair longer at the sides of flanks and chest so that when standing the underline appeared to be normally coated.

I then showed them how to groom a double coated breed, combing down to skin in sections, and using a slicker brush to remove loose hair from topcoat.

Neutering had made things mote difficult as it caused his excesdive undercoat to be like Candyfoss. He had been neutered due to being monorchid.

I've used a sewing seam ripper in the past

> Has anyone checked on dog lost ?

Linda who has the rescue home is a 'one man band' so to speak who takes in emergency cases from the Public. Speaking with her earlier she has had her on facebook and checked the ;dog lost' site without response or recgnition other than a few calls in which they wrongly answered ID questions on her appearance.  What a ghastly world we live in - I wonder what those callers intentions were?

On a more positive note, the little one is heading for the local Vet in the morning. (poor wee thing is going under the clippers).  Just worried what will be found afterwards.  She barked for the first time this morning and has been tail wagging rather than it being curled underneath her so hopefully she is identifying what will be her new home.

Will post an update asap.  Thank you for your responses - very kind

Good luck for tomorrow. I reckon she'll feel a lot better once got rid of that matted felt fur, everyone feels better for being clean

I am glad the rescue is being careful - I sometimes take in lost cage birds and its amazing how many people pop up claiming the bird is theirs but when asked to describe the colour suddenly they don't know.

weimed:> I suspect she is lying on floor as too hot with all that matted coat

Yes of course that makes complete sense. Re claw length - they had started to curl - awful! My groomer friend who came to see her said the same and reckons she has had no attention to her coat in at least 6 months. The chap who handed her in said he'd watched her wander up and down but returning to the same spot outside of his home since the previous day before he took action so to me that would be suggest she was left there and going back to look for her owners - terrible ones if that is the case - but all she had known.

Cava14Una

> I've used a sewing seam ripper in the pas

What on earth is that?  sounds brutal but if it does the job brilliant!

Rozzie, Nikita & Brainless:> The detangling spray really helped

Thanks for advice on this product availability, have ordered the Cooper & Gracie brand so hopefully when the time is right, it will be a boon in maintaining coat condition.

https://www.wish.com/product/58e26a8df3bc9c557d9c4754?from_ad=goog_shopping&_display_country_code=GB&_force_currency_code=GBP&pid=googleadwords_int&c=%7BcampaignId%7D&ad_cid=58e26a8df3bc9c557d9c4754&ad_cc=GB&ad_curr=GBP&ad_price=2.00&campaign_id=9727371297&exclude_install=true&gclid=Cj0KCQiAqo3-BRDoARIsAE5vnaLmvqg9OBgfwxZKtzMCNm4AXSmz_fSEDkpJTgsZ8cUFMeZY_p7rudUaAmx-EALw_wcB&hide_login_modal=true&share=mobileweb  one of these i think .brilliant little tool

furriefriends:> .brilliant little tool

Got it after following your link thanks!. My Grandma had several in her sewing box which she used to seperate my Grandad's threadbare shirt collars before adding new ones.
How things have changed!  Half dozen ordered from ebay and will be a welcome addition to the 'doggie' cupboard alongside the detangling spray.

Well I am not anybodies grandma but have a couple in my sewing box for.that rare occasion I have to do.some sewing. :)

furriefriends:

> furriefriends:

I'm not anyones's Grandma:
I have 2 little Grandsons but NO sewing box - couldn't thread a needle if I had to - think they are more akin to bursting boils but I do admire someone who has those sewing skills!

That's the thing

The tool I used.
https://www.christiesdirect.com/Mobile/en/Groom-Professional-Matt-Breakers/m-m-595.aspx?awc=3379_1606696248_a2bd558ed8153ec3accf016955da65b0&utm_source=awin,awin&utm_medium=affiliate,affiliate&utm_campaign=UnitedKingdom

come on then, where is the update?  I need to know how the little one is!

Everyone who was kind enough to contribute; Grooming Advice

Good News & Bad News;

Good:  The smelly, disgusting, matted coat has all gone with only a few nicks (not major) on her ears, armpits and hind legs. Her skin in general is very flaky and itchy but easily treatable and she been prescribed an antifungal. bacterial shampoo every other day for the next ten days before her next check up and supporting daily omega capsual to help from the inside. No migrated microchip has been found and no scarring to her neck or shoulders which is a relief. Her ears have been thoroughly cleaned but she has earmites which require medication over the next 5 days. Rear claws have been clipped and Dental check without any concerns so tooth brush & dental paste it is. (I've a feeling that might be pretty freaky for her!).  Bathing will be a new experience too as this product advises room temperature water only, not warm which could aggrivate rather than soothe.  She had a lovely raw feed when she came home earlier and is now asleep at the other end of the kitchen.

Bad:  She has a heart murmer which requires further investigation by a specialist. An infection in her left eye which Vet believes requires surgery as her lower lid needs trimming due to turning inward and her back leg has been fractured historically which has been left untreated looking at the xrays. She is so thin - like a little skinned rabbit - and emotionally, I have a feeling today's experience has knocked her a bit but moving forward I'll make sure she is nursed back to health and givenlots of lovely new life experiences!
Oh and she is between 6 & 8 years old.

ah. poor mite. she is so lucky she is with you.  Her poor skin and ears must have been so painful.  Its a pity about the eye and heart but maybe not so bad. Lot of older dogs have a murmer and carry on for years.   Its excellent her teeth are decent and frankly a miracle her ears not too bad- ear mites are easy to evict .

At least now its onward and upward, I think she will really come on in next few days as will feel so much better being clean and less itchy.   As her teeth don't need a dental I'd reckon she'll be at the younger age of the age estimate as being so neglected if were older they would be wrecked too.

ps regarding murmer- she is starved, terrified, infested, ...it might not be so bad once healthy, correct weight and happy

Re tooth cleaning. I would start with a finger brush until she gets used to having her teeth and gums handled. You can switch to a soft brush when she has got used to the process.

weimed: > she is so lucky she is with you
Think I'm more lucky to be given the opportunity to make a difference in her life .... I'm no saint, that's for sure but small acts make big differences.
Shame we can't add pics to the site,  As you said it's amazing how a good diet changes things so quickly as does being clean and generally cared for.
Re murmer - thanks for your positive spin on things. Being rural, Vet needs to book a specialist visit when the cardioligist is next visiting the area so not sure when that might be.  Seemingly the lower eyelid skimming is a low risk procedure and if arthritic problems show the selves on her injured leg at a later date, medication is available.
Discussed spaying and advised that how things pan out with further checks will determined when is appropriate.
She doesn't have a name yet - she just responds to 'hello you' but will need to decide before she meets/experiences my other dogs.
If anyone has suggestions - feel free to contribute - trying to think of something relevant to what she has survived.

Names:

Hope
Luc(k)y

CaroleC: Teeth Cleaning:

Cheers for the suggestion on finger brush. She wouldn't let me near her mouth when checking her originally so that is something I will try as she will let me hand feed her so that sounds a more acceptable option. Brilliant

Brainless: Names:

Thanks for your input - HOPE sounds lovely and so appropriate in light of her other issues - fab!
Oh and thanks for the link re matt remover tool - I have ordered from Christies Direct.

Depending on colouring I always rather liked sound of Freckle - nice for right colouring and spelt slightly differently It is Fleckerl.  a step of Vienneze Waltz when the partners come out to the middle of the room and spin in place- a lovely image for a happy spinning spaniel

or Tassia is a girl's name of Greek, Russian origin meaning "resurrection".
Tassia is an obscure short form used mostly in Russia and Eastern Europe, where the name Anastasia as in the executed Russian princess is common. Rarely found in the English-speaking world, Tassia could make a distinctive and attractive nickname for this elegant royal name and can easily stand on its own.

weimed:  Names;

She is Red in colour with a white bib so Tassia would fit (red & white being the Russian flag). Is it pronounced as the spelling T A S S I A or Tasha?  As for being the spinning part of a Vieneze Waltz, that would be so appropriate to her breed and something I hope she will do soon!

say Anastasia  without the anas bit!!!

My grandmother (RIP) was named Anastasia, shotened to Stasia (pron. Stah-zya)