Dogs with long, curly hair require a lot of maintenance, and it can be challenging! So, if you’re in a situation where you have a dog with a needy coat maintenance schedule, I have found some stuff that works wonders! First, before a bath, detangle it all. Water actually makes tangles worse! I had no idea, and let me tell you, from experience, this is true. To get out tough mats, coconut oil is KEY. Seriously. Key. I isolate the mat, rub some coconut oil in it, and carefully brush it out. Which brings me to… Brushes. My maltipoo HATES being brushed, and I’ve realized over time, that it’s the brush. I have always just picked up what was at the pet store, and I’ve learned that curly hair is DIFFERENT. I found an awesome pin brush made specifically for curly coats, and when I tell you this brush-hating pup had the spa appointment of his life, I’m not kidding. Rolling onto his belly and all! Now that has NEVER happened. Okay, the coconut oil is in, the mats are out. It’s time for a bath. You are gonna need a degreaser shampoo that will get all that coconut oil out…or your curly pup will have very crunch curls… 😬. With this shampoo, I lather him all up and leave it on for about 5 minutes while I go in with the slicker brush to slowly go over his coat to grab any dead hair I missed. And I give him lots of pets and kisses. The best part? You don’t even need conditioner. It leaves his coat so soft and shiny! After I dry him off—careful not to make more mats, he is a shivering little thing, so I bust out the doggie blow dryer. I love this one. It has heat control so it will never get too hot, and I can continue to brush him out while I dry and warm him back up. I do put some detangling spray in the spots that usually mat (neck, armpits, back legs) and dry him all up. When he’s nice and clean, he gets a treat! In between baths (about every 4 weeks), I brush him daily with the pin brush and the mat issue has really decreased. Easy peasy! 🍋 LTKfindsunder50 LTKsalealert