Why Owners Of Long-Haired Dogs Should Keep Cornstarch Handy

While nothing compares to the feeling of soft, fuzzy fur, there's no denying dogs with long hair require a lot of grooming upkeep. Although all dogs have the potential to develop issues with their fur (such as greasiness and fleas), long-haired dogs are more susceptible to developing knots and mats, especially if they're a double coated breed, or if they have a curly hair texture. Not only can this become painful for your pup, it also increases their risk of developing health problems like a fungal infection, as the layers of hair can trap pathogens against their skin. 

However, even you're on top of regular brushing, sometimes mats are inevitable. In some cases, your pup might develop tangles when they're shedding their seasonal coat. But before you jump to shaving off the area completely, or spending money on a specialty dog detangler, you might want to first look in your kitchen cabinet. Unbeknownst to many, cornstarch can actually be used to help remove minor mats and tangles from your dog's fur. 

Before attempting the cornstarch hack, you'll want to make sure your dog's fur is dry to avoid any sticky messes. Once they're in a comfortable position, use your hands to fully saturate the matted area in cornstarch, rubbing it into the knots with your fingers. As explained by @pamperedpupgroomer on TikTok, the cornstarch will help loosen up the mat prior to brushing. 

Once you have worked the cornstarch into your pup's fur, gently comb out the mat over and over until it is gone. As for what specific tool to use, that will depend on your preference and dog's hair type. However, according to professional groomer Molly Bissantz, who spoke with Newsweek, a wide-tooth comb is likely to be your most effective option. "Using a comb ensures you have made it down to the dog's skin to comb the undercoat and ensure no matting," she told the publication.

If you still can't get the mat out, there's a chance it's too severe for the cornstarch to help. You may need to shave off the hair to get rid of the mat. To prevent mats in the future, make sure you brush your long-haired pup and get them groomed regularly. 

Along with being prone to mats, long-haired dogs tend to develop an odor quicker than their short-haired counterparts if they aren't bathed on a regular basis.Cornstarch might be able to buy your long-haired dog some time between dog grooming. For a DIY waterless cleanser, The American Kennel Club recommends combining one cup corn starch with one cup baking soda. The former helps to absorb grease while the latter works to minimize odors. This can be particularly useful if your pup's coat is starting to smell but you don't have time to give them a bath. Once you have your mixture ready, gently sprinkle it across your dog's coat. After a few minutes pass, comb the mixture through your dog's fur and remove any excess powder with a towel. Before attempting this, make sure you check with your vet to verify your dog doesn't have an allergies to either product.

According to pet parents on Reddit, you can safely repeat this process to freshen your dog's coat every week, but be wary of overdoing it. Also be sure to monitor your dog afterwards to make sure they don't ingest the mixture. Though cornstarch is generally harmless, baking soda can be toxic to dogs when consumed in large quantities.