Matting and discoloration Question

[shellyk]

Our new rescue is a matter...I was looking at "Ice on Ice" on-line and saw another product by the same company that adds black color to hide flaws and damage. Has anyone used any of these type products? Our other newf's feathers and chest area have become discolored by the sun and salt water. Should I color it or is it better to just remove this with thinning scissors? She is not a show dog - just a beloved pet!

 

[wrknnwf]

It doesn't technically color the fur. Not like hair dye. And in my opinion, it doesn't do much. Everyone mileage...as the saying goes.

I think what you need to look for is something that will protect the hair shaft from salt and sun, although I don't know of any product off hand that has those attributes. Maybe a good leave in conditioner?

 

[Jeannie]

Don't color it. It is not good to color their coat. Take thinning shears and trim it out. Or since she is not a show dog just leave it and enjoy your girl. Who cares if the coat has a reddish tint to it.

You can also use a conditioner on the feather when you rinse the salt water from her coat. If you don't rinse the salt water out that could be most of your problem. You can even leave a bit of conditioner on the leg feathers without causing skin problems

 

[shellyk]

Thank you both for your advice. We don't rinse her after the beach because other than the discoloration it really works for us. She doesn't matt and needs very little brushing. The salt water seems to be really good for her skin - no hot spots or flaky skin and she doesn't smell. I think Peter Manitae (sp?) posted once how the salt water was good for them. It only came up in my mind because it kind of makes her look un-groomed - that I guess is really my issue not hers!

 

[mrsnamsherf]

My Sam has swam a lot, salt water and fresh and his fur is reddish, too. I do not think it is from the sun, or the water. It pretty much grew in that way. He was partly shaved when I got him. I would have to trim off a lot to lose all the red! : )

I think for some dogs it is sun, and for some it is just their color. I met a beautiful blue-black newf once. I have had Sam 5 years and he has never been that color. Interestingly, she said her dog has never had the reddish tint. I have a friend whose hair is the exact same color as Sam's and she hates it. Says it is brassy. Has tried to die out the reddish tint for years, mostly unsuccessfully. But I have also known dogs and horses whose hair turned red from the sun and would stay their true color if protected from it.

I am pretty sure that the newf standard allows for some red in their coat...

I love the blue black coat and bought some black on black, but I never got around to actually using it. : D So Sam is still reddish. And I never rinse out the salt water, either. : )

Marie

 

[Jeannie]

We don't rinse her after the beach

Would you go to the beach, swim in salt water and not rinse your hair? The salt water is good for the skin of newfs but IMO it needs to be rinsed.

 

[mrsnamsherf]

Just realized you asked about matting, too. Ice on Ice does seem to work well, but spraying enough on makes my hand tired! So usually I don't bother, but it does work great-will even last through a swim session.

Marie

 

[dreamchaser456]

My girl rarely swims and she has always had the tint on parts of her fur. I do keep them trimmed up some with thinning shears but I don't worry about it most of the time.

 

[YorkvilleNewfie]

I use Ice on Ice and it does help prevent matting and makes smaller mats easier to work out.