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Best way to get rid of mats behind ears?

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Dexter

1278065

Barked: Thu Mar 7, '13 4:47pm PST


	I've recently noticed my 7month Australian Shepherd has smallish mats one behind each ear. I've been working a little each day to comb them out, but it's a slow process since my pup doesn't really want to sit still. I've gotten about half of one out and maybe a third of the other out. Anyways my question is my pup has to be put under anesthesia at the vet tomorrow for surgery. My vet says he could shave out the mats at that time. What's better? Having him shave them out or me just combing them out little by little? My vet said its better to shave it cuz ill have a hard time getting all of the mat out since its right down to the skin. But when he says shave them out all I can picture is my fluffy boy with a naked head. He's not gunna shave a lot right? Or do you think he'll shave a big area! I'm worried.

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Dot

What do you mean- I'm a terror?

Barked: Sun Mar 10, '13 4:38pm PST


	I cut the mats out with scissors

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Cohen CD RE- ADC FDCh-S- CGN HIC

The Monster

Barked: Tue Mar 12, '13 9:25am PST


	It may be a little late for advice now, but I'd shave/cut them out, and then make it a habit of brushing the dog behind the ears 2-3 times per week. I'll also trim the light wavy hair with thinning shears since a) I prefer how it looks and b) it reduces the likelihood of a mat developing.

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Dexter

1278065

Barked: Wed Mar 13, '13 7:58pm PST


	Thanks for the advice! I did end up having the vet shave them out. My good friend is the vet assistant at the office we go to and she promised she would shave him herself and did not take out more than she had to. I can hardly notice he's missing hair he's so fluffy, but I'm definatly stepping up my grooming. The thing is he doesn't like having his ears brushed but ill just power through it. Lotsa treats! Dexter is my first dog and I guess I'm just learning from my mistakes.