For de-matting the very best product I have ever used and still due is called Ice on Ice. You spray some onto the mat, mush it around a little into the mat and then with a detangler comb (the teeth are metal and they roll) it combs right out. As you know I have Hannah in a full coat and Maltese’s are notorious for getting mats especially if you’re nuts (like me) and keep them in a full to the floor coat. Their hair is very cotton like so is always getting matted. This is by far the best product I have ever come across in my life. It’s amazing truly. You can find it on Amazon and you can read up on it on the site. It’s also a finishing no rinse spray. Doesn’t particularly have any odor that would bother you. Doesn’t build up on the hair which is great.
Dog Foodie, just wanted to mention that I’m a dog owner that does not believe that neutering and spaying permanently changes the texture of their hair. I have had neutered or spayed every single dog I have ever owned and believe me there have been a lot and not one time was any of their hair or fur affected.
Have you tried feeding him canned sardines packed in water a couple of times a week. Amount per meal would depend on his size. I use a small can twice a week and divide the can among the three dogs. On days that I don’t feed sardines, I add a little splash of Nature’s Logic sardine oil in one meal of their day. It has made an enormous difference. I truly didn’t ever see that the coconut oil made any difference with their hair. I give it to them but for other reasons. I also give them only a tiny bit of coconut oil, if I give the recommended amount they all get diarrhea. No thank you! It was when I started adding the sardine oil to their food and sardines to their diet that I saw a drastic difference. Also, the only kibble in rotation is Nature’s Logic Sardine formula. It’s pricey but if you feed rotation it’s not too much of a big deal. Of course, again, it depends on the size of your dog.
Anyway, try the Ice on Ice by Chris Christensen. It’s a leave in detangled and finishing spray. I have found that it’s also fantastic when I’ve given any of the girls a bath and find that I missed a tangle before the bath which is ridiculously difficult to get out when wet, I just spray the mat generously, work it into the matt and comb it out.
