HI
Im not sure if this is the right board to post on, if not I apologise.

I have a 14mth old Bichon Frise called Molly. I have had her coat cut by an expert 4 times now but dont like how she cuts it. Anyway just recently her fur seems to be matted. We brush her everyday but it seems to be growing through matted. it is so close to her skin and we are having trouble brushing it now. We have been using a slicker brush and a comb with 2 different length teeth. These were recommended to me to use. Her fur used to be curly sort of like a cork screw curl iykwim now the fur on her back looks like a sheeps fur.
I have started to give her cod liver oil capsules as this was recommended to be good for their coats.
I would really appreciate any advice. Sorry for rambling.
TIA
Emm x x x

Hi,

I would suggest contacting a different groomer (try and go for word of mouth recomendations) and get her clipped off completely and start again with the grooming, but she will need regular trimming, so speak to your new groomer and come to an arrangement on how you would like her clipped. After all you are paying for it, so you could have her dyed pink with blue spots if you wanted!!! :D ONLY JOKING!!!!!! :)

manda
x

Hi Emm,
Have you considered taking her to the breeder for clipping?
Although the person you use is an expert in clipping dogs, it's probably in a generalised way rather than being an expert in a particular breed.
Anyway, I have a bedlington with a similar type coat and I only ever take her back to the breeder for clipping as my friend takes her bedly to the local groomers and she comes back looking like a poodle.

regards,
Linda

Hiya,

Not much advice, sorry, but you might be better feeding evening primrose oil, or safflower oil, rather than cod liver oil.

Em

Bichon's coats change when they hit adolesence (sp?) and can often become very knotty and difficult, particularly around the ears and under the legs.

When you took her to the groomers was she clippered or scissored? The clippers will often make the coat feel harsh and really if you want to retain the soft coat you should always trim with scissors. If you contact the North and Midland Bichon Frise Club (sorry don't have the address/phone no handy) they have a list of recommended Bichon groomers who will be able to help you. Alternatively try the breeder listings and see if there is a local breeder who may be able to help you if you cant go back to your dogs own breeder.

Kate