Count Tessa in on the ear fur matting up too, and back of her legs-the pantaloons.
This year was her 1st shed.
I've found a few things help a lot in getting that coat to blow once it starts--
if your pooch enjoys swimming, your life will be easier-because this is the best way to loosen it.
A nice bath a day or two after swimming, with a conditioning rinse to help the fur slip out faster--and believe me it will.
Don't get sucked in by all of the super expensive marketing tactics for pet shampoos-they are basically the same exact ingredients as human shampoos.
I use johnson & Johnsons (calming lavender scent) baby shampoo--this way I can get a really good thorough face & head scrub & never worry about her eyes getting burned like with regular shampoo. Less than ~3.79 for the 20oz bottle at Walmart--and made in Canada
Since Tessa has never had her eyes burn from shampoo, she has no qualms about getting her face scrubbed. The lavender scent is light & lovely.
This is my #1 favorite shampoo to use on dogs.
For conditioner, when I use it, I just use either a cheap bottle of Suave or VO5 or White Rain, in whatever scent I like--at about $1 a bottle, I can use 1/2 the bottle if I want.
I know there's a lot of groomers who use all kinds of expensive niche market products, but I don't want a poofy, brushed out, blown dry look, I like Tessa's natural coat without poof & blow dry.
I've yet to find any human conditioners that dulled or weighted down her fur. None ever looked greasy, so don't fret about using what you've got.
By accident, I came across Suave kids detangler spray, cost is less than $2.
It is hypoallergenic (to human kids) & also tear free.
It is cheap at walmart or the grocery store, & has Amodiethicone in it, along with other stuff. This is the same ingredient in *Show Season's Chrome Coat*...
It works wonders for spots like behind the ears, back of legs & tail.
Only thing that bumms me out is that it only comes in 2 scents right now, a berry & an apple.
The smell is strong & fruity when wet--but it dries just about scentless. Thank God!
It doesn't leave a build up & gives a ton of slip--even to that tail fur! It helps repel dirt & tangles.
Loreal Kids also has an Orange Mango Smoothie 2 in 1 shampoo/conditioner/detangler. Also tear free. Doesn't smell bad at all-mellow citrusy like smell.
Now I'm on a mission for a human spray on detangler that I like the smell of, or is completely unscented.
The stores around here do not carry the Johnson's & Johnson's tear free detangler--& I'm really wanting to try that one out on her.
Mane & Tail shampoo was great, but I found their conditioner did not give enough 'slip' to help the shed, or to do a good job of helping to detangle, so not worth it for a TM coat--but nice for a no build up light conditioner for me
since I have fine hair...