Just like us, dogs can occasionally suffer from matted hair. This is especially common in furry breeds such as poodles, Shih Tzus, and Malteses. Left untreated, the mats can become painful for your pup and may even lead to skin infections or hot spots.
Olive oil is known to work for human hair, so it makes sense to wonder if it can work for matted dog hair too. Let’s find out.
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Is olive oil an effective method for detangling your dog’s fur?
Olive oil is an effective, natural way to detangle your pup’s fur. When applied liberally, the oil will penetrate and moisturize the most matted areas of the coat, which can make it easier to separate the knots and tangles.
Because it isn’t chemical-based, you won’t have to worry about any harm coming to your pup while they’re being brushed, as the olive oil acts as a protective barrier between them and the bristles of the brush.
In addition to making brushing more comfortable for your pet, olive oil also imparts a healthy sheen and fragrance that will tantalize their senses!
- Mild and non-toxic
- Moisturizes the skin and coat
- Helps to detangle mats
- Imparts a healthy sheen and fragrance
- Messy to use
- May not work on severely matted hair
- Can be expensive if used frequently
How to de-mat your dog’s fur with olive oil
As seen above, olive oil can be quite messy to use. So, if you decide to go this route, it’s best to do it in the bathtub or outdoors.
- Olive Oil
- Oral syringe (syringe without needle)
- Dog brush or comb
- Towels
Start by filling the syringe with a generous amount of olive oil and then squirting it deep into your pup’s fur, focusing on especially matted areas. Rub the oil into their coat to help penetrate deeper and then brush or comb through with a wide-toothed brush that won’t pinch at their skin.
Once the mats start to loosen, use a towel to soak up any excess oil from their fur. A simple but effective way to do this is by laying the towel flat and then rubbing it against your pup’s coat in a downward motion.
Be sure to keep brushing until all the mats are gone. Then, give them a nice bath with warm water and appropriate shampoo for their fur type. This will help remove any leftover oil from their coat.
A few things to keep in mind when using olive oil on your pup’s fur
Although effective, there are some things you should keep in mind when using olive oil on your pup’s fur:
- Don't use a metal comb or brush as this could cause irritation or break their sensitive skin.
- Not every olive oil is the same, so make sure you're using a higher-quality, cold-pressed variety.
- Don't overdo it — only use enough to make the mats easier to brush through.
- Never use other vegetable oil alternatives.
- Use an oral syringe, not a needle syringe as this could hurt your pup.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we answer the most asked questions to help you make an informed decision about using olive oil to de-mat your pup’s fur:
How much olive oil should I use?
The amount of de-matting solution you place in the syringe will vary depending on your pup’s size and how severe their mats are. Feel free to fill up the syringe whenever needed for ideal results.
Is olive oil safe to use on my dog?
Absolutely, olive oil is gentle and non-harming; it can be applied to your pooch’s fur without any hazards. But like with anything, keep a watchful eye on them in case they are having an unfavorable effect.
Is olive oil better than other methods of detangling mats?
Olive oil is arguably one of the safest and most natural methods for detangling mats, even when compared to other effective techniques.
What type of olive oil should I use?
To optimize the nourishing and healthful benefits of olive oil, look for a superior quality cold-pressed option with no extra ingredients. This way you can be sure that you’re getting the maximum value from your purchase!
Final thoughts – No more matting
To conclude this article, dematting your pup’s fur with olive oil is an effective and safe way to go about the task. Just be sure to use a quality product, the correct tools, and keep an eye on them during the process for any signs of discomfort.
Olive oil not only helps with matting but also leaves your pup’s coat with a healthy sheen and pleasant fragrance. So, go ahead and give it a try! Your furry friend will thank you for it.
