What's an effective way to trim heavily-matted hair on a dog without clippers?

My dog is old, and his hair has overtaken his legs and actually hinder his movement. I took it for granted that he would pass away before his hair would get so bad, so I figured I'd spare him the trauma of grooming at his age. But he still has spark, but he's miserable because he can't move very well due to the amount of hair. I need to cut him down, but I can't afford a professional groomer and I have no dog hair clippers. Scissors are wholly ineffective for the most troubled areas. Is there any way to loosen tight, matted hair so that I can cut it?

What's an effective way to trim heavily-matted hair on a dog without clippers?

detangle shampoo and a stiff brush

What's an effective way to trim heavily-matted hair on a dog without clippers?

I'd consider taking him to a vet, but the idea of a detangler and stiff comb/brush that was given earlier is your best bet if you can't go anywhere else. Just make sure you give your dog a bath afterward.

What's an effective way to trim heavily-matted hair on a dog without clippers?

Take the poor guy to the groomer and get him done properly.. He can't move properly, he is very likely in severe pain.. WHy are you torturing him???

What's an effective way to trim heavily-matted hair on a dog without clippers?

When it gets to that point, you really need to take him to the groomers. Anything less is abusive.

Poor guy.

What's an effective way to trim heavily-matted hair on a dog without clippers?

I agree.

either take him to the groomer, or someone with clippers.

that is no way to treat your dog! shame on you for "waiting for him to die!"

What's an effective way to trim heavily-matted hair on a dog without clippers?

You may need to break down and take him to a professional groomer. Using scissors could seriously cut her if the matts are really tight. Having her stripped down with clippers by a groomer who knows what they are doing is the best decision you could make for your dog.

What's an effective way to trim heavily-matted hair on a dog without clippers?

I had to do a Briard that was very matted. The matts hung like those on a Kommador but were thick. You slice down through a matt with your scissors to make the matt more managable, slice or cut down through the matts until you can safely cut it off. You do need a good pair of scissors that will cut hair.

Keep slicing or cutting the matts downward. Over %26amp; over again with each matt. Even if you leave some matt at the end get what you can get %26amp; as the matts are removed you can go back to some areas %26amp; do a better job once the main crap is out of your way.

A good pet store will have dematting blades in different kinds of tools. But a good pair of scissors is far faster %26amp; better to get the job done. It will hurt your fingers but to get that matt off you have to work hard at it.

I wish you were near me. I did that many times. I just got the mats removed %26amp; they took the dog home, no brushing, no bath, just removed the matts with the owners present. I stressed the dog as little as possible %26amp; they were on their way.

You might call around to see if there is a groomer in your area that will do that. Just remove the matts %26amp; let the rest go. It shouldn't cost too much, maybe $15 - $20.