Here’s How to Get Mats Out of Your Dog’s Fur
Key takeaways:
Mats happen when strands of your pup’s hair get twisted and knotted. They can be painful and uncomfortable for your pet.
Some dog breeds are more prone to matting than others. Still, mats can happen to just about any dog.
You can work through your dog’s mats using a slicker brush and a detangling solution. But if the mats are severe, you may need to see your vet or take your pet to a professional groomer.
For some dogs, mats are a common issue. They occur when hair gets twisted into tangles and knots, forming clumps. These clumps can trap debris, cause skin infections, and cut off circulation. And that can be painful and harmful.
You can get mats under control with a little effort. Here’s how to remove mats, how to prevent them, and when it’s time to see your vet or a professional groomer for severe matting.
What are the best ways to get mats out of a dog’s fur?
Getting mats out of your dog’s fur can be tricky. Your pup may get antsy as you tug on their hair. And the mats can be uncomfortable for your dog.
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These tips can make the process of brushing out mats a little easier:
Use a slicker brush with wire pins.
Spray a little water, detangler for dogs, or a mix of water and dog conditioner onto your dog’s fur.
Isolate a matted area with one hand and gently brush with the other hand, starting at the furthest point from their skin.
Work on small sections at a time and use small strokes.
Give your dog breaks and treats.
Should you cut mats out of dog hair?
If the problem is too close to the skin, you may be tempted to cut it off with scissors. But the slightest slip-up or movement from your pet could injure your dog’s skin. You’re better off using clippers or taking your dog to your vet or a professional groomer.
What causes mats to develop in a dog’s fur?
There are many reasons why your dog’s fur might get matted. For some, it’s their breed. Pups with curly coats, such as bichon frisés; double coats, like doodles; and long coats, like bearded collies, tend to develop mats more often than others.
Other common reasons for matting include:
Not brushing or bathing regularly
Build-up of dirt or weeds that stick to your dog’s coat
Contact with sticky things
Seasonal shedding
Swimming/wet hair that isn’t dried properly
Sitting a lot on one side of their body
Why are mats in a dog’s fur bad?
Mats in your pup’s fur can harm them in a variety of ways. Matted hair can:
Irritate skin
Get in the way of peeing and pooping
Cause pain
Keep your animal from moving normally
Hide fleas, ticks, and other insects
Collect things like poop, mud, and leaves
Make it hard for your pet to see, hear, or chew
Prevent your dog from regulating their body temperature
Cut off circulation in extreme cases
When should you talk to a vet about mats in your dog’s fur?
A trip to the vet may be in order if your pet is severely matted. A vet can sedate your dog and do a full-body clipping. A professional dog groomer can also do a full body trim without sedation.
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How can you prevent mats from developing in your dog’s fur?
Even though mats are common, it’s best to prevent them from forming in your dog’s fur. Here are some easy ways to keep mats at bay:
Brush and groom your dog regularly.
Take your dog to a professional groomer regularly.
Remove hair from the top and under your dog’s ear flaps.
Trim fur from the bottom of feet between pads.
The bottom line
Matting is a common issue for many dogs. Sometimes, you’ll feel mats on the top layer of your dog’s coat; other times, they're buried close to their skin. Mats can create skin issues such as irritations and infections. Using a slicker brush with a bit of moisture from a spray bottle can help you work through mats. But really, the best thing for mats is to prevent them with regular brushing and professional grooming.
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References
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Pro. (n.d.). Clinical features and outcomes of strangulating hair mats in dogs.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (2015). A haircut could save a life: Preventing your pet's coat from matting.
City Line Veterinary Center. (n.d.). Why your dog’s fur gets matted.
United States Department of Agriculture. (2018). Coat care: Preventing matted hair.
