I've noticed two little lumps behind each of my lovely Ludwig's ears.
I did try to detangle these lumps, thinking they were just huge, very tight mats that had formed...
I'm thinking of using a pair of scissors to cut vertically through the mats to make them easier to remove, but the thing is, I can see my boy is in pain when I use the comb. I'm starting to wonder if these lumps might actually be skin and just a normal part of the base of his ears.
Can anyone help me out???
Thanks for your help and for any advice or similar experiences you can share.
Translated from French
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It’s been a while, so you’ve probably sorted it by now, but just in case...
I had the same issue and I just took my time with it. I brushed and brushed and brushed the mat without pressing down or forcing it, always working from the outside of the knot, and after about 30 minutes it finally came out. A fair bit of fur ended up on the brush, but the mat was completely gone and it didn't hurt her at all 😉
It’s been a while, so you’ve probably sorted it by now, but just in case...
I had the same issue and I just took my time with it. I brushed and brushed and brushed the mat without pressing down or forcing it, always working from the outside of the knot, and after about 30 minutes it finally came out. A fair bit of fur ended up on the brush, but the mat was completely gone and it didn't hurt her at all 😉
You really shouldn't cut them! You need to take 15-20 minutes every evening to brush your dog behind the ears, behind the legs... My dog gets matts behind his ears too; if you cut them, they'll just come back anyway... Cavaliers aren't like other dogs... Don't cut! 🙅
Oh definitely, you can count on me, I’ll really make sure of it! Otherwise it’ll be a total nightmare, I dread to think what it would end up looking like, haha help!!!
I think it’ll be quite discreet, and the mats aren’t exactly massive anyway. Plus, their ears are long so that’ll hide a multitude of sins :)) and at the end of the day, fur grows back, doesn't it...!! ;)
Ohhh, he’s going to look a right mess!
Surely you can tell the difference between a mat and a bit of skin just with your fingertips?
You were right to try and split the knot; if it’s too tight, the best way is to break it down into several smaller clumps (I actually prefer using a serrated de-matting tool rather than scissors).
Then, hold each little clump in your left hand (if you're right-handed) and run a metal comb through it really quickly—start at the bottom first, then gradually work your way up to the root.
Since it takes a while, you might want to do it over two or three sessions; it’s much fairer on the dog. After that, just give him a quick brush behind the ears every day and it’ll be much better.
He won't look a mess at all! It might not look perfect, but if the mats behind the ears are clipped out neatly, you won't even notice! :)
Just keep it subtle, obviously. Don’t give him a full clip—make sure you tell the groomer to ONLY sort out the mats behind the ears! :)
Yes, I did think about sorting it out like that, but the problem is the mat is really, really tight. When I tried to split it, I was worried I’d end up catching the skin, and with my little lad whimpering the way he was, I decided it was better to stop...
I’m no expert at all and I don’t have the right kit; I’ve only got a double-sided brush and a detangling comb. Even going through it bit by bit, my dog’s whimpering makes me stop – I just don’t know how much pain he’s in...
So, never mind, I’d told myself I wouldn’t clip my Cavalier, but I think it’s the best way forward now. It’ll grow back naturally, the hair will keep its normal growth and movement, and it won’t be too noticeable behind the ear!!!
Anyway, you really can’t neglect the brushing. I hadn’t even thought about behind the ears, haha – I definitely won’t be making that mistake again!
Oh no, he’s going to look a right mess!
Surely you can tell the difference between a clump of matted fur and a lump on the skin just by using your fingertips, can't you?
You were right to try and split the knot; if it’s really tight, the best way is to divide it into several smaller sections (I actually prefer using a serrated knife rather than scissors).
Then, hold each little section with your left hand (assuming you’re right-handed) and run a metal comb through it quickly—start at the bottom first, then gradually work your way up towards the top of the section.
Since it takes a while, you might want to do it over two or three sessions—it’ll be much easier on the dog. After that, if you give him a quick comb behind the ears every day, it’ll be much better for everyone.
