Collie Behind The Ear Knots

[ToscasMom]

I brush Tosca a few times a week but it just seems it's never enough for behind her ears. It's like those ear wads creep up on her really fast and almost spring up or something. It's almost like Hey where the heck did THAT come from? I untangle them the hard way before they get large, but she hates it even if they aren't that bad. I know that if I let one go, it will turn into a bigger knot in no time flat. Is there any safe product out there that eases ear tangles that I can use on her when she starts to get knotted?

[bumhouse]

That's weird. Why does she tangle so easily like that? I have never seen any tangles on Colt yet. I think people haven't responded because they're perplexed. Maybe a spray to wet it first, like a detangler - they must have them for dogs.

[ToscasMom]

Collies are known for getting mats in certain areas, including behind the ears, if we are not vigilant. Tosca comes from a line with plenty of coat, as you can see by looking at her, so she can mat there easily. The problem is, it's the once place she hates me to fuss with, so I was just looking for an easier way for me to deal with it. She can begin to mat very easily there. Colt is very young still. His coat hasn't begun to fill out and he may not have lost his puppy fur yet. If it does fill out, you will be asking for a way to help avoid behind the ear mats. Incidentally, male collies usually have even fuller coats than females, or so I have read. Prepare ye....

[bumhouse]

Ah well, ignorance is bliss.....

[ToscasMom]

No. Temporary ignorance is bliss. Hee hee.

[Laurelin]

I have no ideas for you. We generally just try to keep on top with the ear mats by brushing A LOT. Sometimes you just have to cut them out or work on them for a while. Sorry I have no more advice, but shelties and collies get these mats so quickly sometimes. We comb through the papillon ear hair, but I've never tried it on the shelties. They have different kinds of coats, so I'm not sure that would help. If anyone has a solution, let me know as well.

Bumhouse, I'm sure you'll have your fair share of ear mats. Both my show line boy and my BYB sheltie get them equally as bad. Another place that tangles easily that you have to watch out for is around the bum. And Trey's leg feathering tangles some as well especially after being out in tall grass. Welcome to the perks of having a dog with a huge coat! LOL

[dogsarebetter]

at work i use a horse detangler and shine called
"cowboy magic"

[ToscasMom]

Thanks Rabbits.

Yes laurelin, I kind of figured it's going to be a lifetime knot battle. But she's still worth it. I also notice her arm pits need perptetual attention as well.

[dogsarebetter]

i will actually brush out the collies at work with a flea comb on the ears under arms and around boy private parts.
that way i know they will not get any matts.

[ToscasMom]

Ok I have several of those combs so i will give it a shot.