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Old buddy getting old
- Thread starter doomsdave
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- #102
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- #104
I’m gonna keep trying. A lot of further practice lies ahead in that regard.You might be
Are they going to finish removing those mats for him?
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Good luck! Would love to see the “post mat“ photos! 
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- #106
Big Boy is okay, considering that he’s “ancient” as the vet said. 17+ years more or less. Urine is good, but he’s lost eight ounces in six months, down to 9 pounds 14 ounces. He’s still eating a lot - his, er, “logs” are almost as big as some of mine!
Had a “torture session” to remove a couple of mats today. Many more to go, alas.
Hope I never need that much help grooming my own self.
Had a “torture session” to remove a couple of mats today. Many more to go, alas.
Hope I never need that much help grooming my own self.
Awww, Big Boy
I saw you mentioned using olive oil in that other thread that you have going, and he hates it - I missed as to why you're using it?
Assuming you're using clippers (I apologize, I missed that, or have forgotten, too
) doesn't the oil make his heavy/thick mats gummy in the clipper blades?
I saw you mentioned using olive oil in that other thread that you have going, and he hates it - I missed as to why you're using it?
Assuming you're using clippers (I apologize, I missed that, or have forgotten, too
) doesn't the oil make his heavy/thick mats gummy in the clipper blades?
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My #1 tried and true method for breaking up mats and tangles is cornstarch. It's messy but it works.
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- #109
No oil for now. Just clipping away. Doc said to give him some pain med right before a clipping session; that plus some treats before and after makes it more bearable for him, and by extension me.Awww, Big Boy
I saw you mentioned using olive oil in that other thread that you have going, and he hates it - I missed as to why you're using it?
Assuming you're using clippers (I apologize, I missed that, or have forgotten, too
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #110
Got an illustration?My #1 tried and true method for breaking up mats and tangles is cornstarch. It's messy but it works.
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Not quite, but, I use Clabber girl brand because it's inexpensive.
I dip my fingers in the cornstarch, then "rub" it into the mat until the cornstarch is through it. I let it sit a few minutes. I then use a brush to gently break up what I can. I hold the matted area in my fingers of my left hand (I'm right handed), and work outward with the brush (brushing the right side of the mat to the right from the ends out, and the left side of the mat to the left side from the ends out, etc.) Top of the mat to the bottom.
As I said, it's messy. There will be powder scattering on the surface your working on, so I'd suggest laying a towel down beforehand. If a mat is too tight to remove this way, I'll use my clippers. Clipping mats is easier on everyone if they are too tight to be removed comfortably.
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- #113
These are Dead Mouse Mats.
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- #114
Here are the Dead Mice, over a couple days. Big Boy doesn’t like it, but he’s coming to tolerate it. I suspect I’m getting better at it.
WooHoo, you ROCK! Good on you!
He knows that what you're doing is resulting in him feeling better overall
He knows that what you're doing is resulting in him feeling better overall
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- #116
Another one bites the dust.
That’s as big as a mouse. Big Boy appreciated its removal! Nice to keep my old buddy happy.
That’s as big as a mouse. Big Boy appreciated its removal! Nice to keep my old buddy happy.
That's fantastic! 
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- #118
One by one, mats are being removed. This was from Big Boy’s belly.
There’s a couple big ones at his, er nether region under the tail.
I can wait! Reserving giggles for later …..
There’s a couple big ones at his, er nether region under the tail.
I can wait! Reserving giggles for later …..
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #119
Here’s one from under the tail. He cried, but wolfed down some treats like a voracious monster.
It’s very dense; I’ll bet it felt really weird back there.
It’s very dense; I’ll bet it felt really weird back there.
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I bet you're both glad those mats are history!
