Next in your arsenal is a detangling conditioning spray. A simple set of shears should do the trick. But these scissors are designed with dogs in mind since the tips are rounded to prevent poking or sharp stabs if your pup gets fidgety.
You might also try thinning shears which help break up the hair without completely snipping it off. Be sure to follow the instructions in the video below when using clippers to remove mats.
Here are some steps to remove mats. Wondering how to cut matted dog hair out safely? Want to know how to shave a dog with matted hair yourself? Liberally rub the cornstarch into the matted fur then slick the hair from the bottom to the top of the mat using a comb. For additional reading, be sure to check out our bathing tips article which can be an extra resource in your ongoing journey for mat-free hair. What's Covered? What Makes A Good Vet?
Is your dog chewing up shoes and destroying your furniture? We review the best dog crates. Our experts advise on all things puppies - from selecting one to preparing for their arrival. In extreme cases, the dog's coat will become what groomers call "pelted" — when matting is very tight to the skin, preventing proper airflow. Matting and pelting prevent proper temperature regulation, cause skin irritation, hide parasites like fleas or other nasties, and cause extreme discomfort and pain for the dog.
Mats are mostly preventable! Let's look at why your dog's coat is forming mats and things you can do to keep them at bay. We'll also talk about what your options are if your dog's coat is already matted. Mats form when dog fur becomes tangled and wraps around itself, forming tightly wound clumps of the loose dead fur and live fur.
If not brushed out, they continue to trap more fur, becoming closer and closer to the dog's skin. Mats tend to frequently form in areas where there is lots of friction — think around the neck area where the collar sits, behind the ears where we lovingly scratch them , under their chin, their armpits, under where their harness usually sits, their feet, and on the back of their rear legs.
Matting can occur more frequently during seasonal shedding periods when a dog is "blowing coat" to switch from their winter to summer coat or vice versa. If the loose fur isn't brushed out, it becomes impacted against the skin and forms mats and pelting if left too long. Dogs who like to swim are more prone to getting mats, because the moisture causes their hair to curl, and it dries wrapped around itself. Many dogs who are bathed but not thoroughly brushed and dried also develop matting. While any dog with a longer or double coat can have matting, some dog breeds are more likely to mat than others — just ask any doodle owner.
Doodle coats are a blend of a curly coat and a double-coat, making them the perfect storm for matting. There are a few dog breeds whose coats are meant to be "corded" — where their coat is meticulously groomed by hand to form dreadlocks or cords.
This might look like matting, but it's meant to be maintained and trimmed to prevent skin issues. The most common breeds seen with a corded coat are the Puli, Komondor, and Bergamasco Shepherd. Many lovingly refer to these breeds as "mop dogs.
You might even see a Poodle or Havanese with a corded coat for aesthetic and showing purposes. Cording is not for a typical dog owner, as it requires extensive maintenance and an experienced hand at forming the cords and preventing matting underneath.
The number one thing you can do to prevent matting in your dog's coat is regular and thorough combing and brushing. How often you should brush your dog depends on their coat type and if it's shedding "season" when their coats change from a thinner summer coat to a thicker winter coat or vice versa. Breeds that have long coats, curly coats, or fine fur should be brushed more often, even daily in some cases, while other coat types might only need once a week. One of the most common mistakes made when brushing a dog's fur is only combing the top layer, which actually can make matting worse.
If you only focus on the top layer of your dog's fur, your brushing is actually pushing any loose fur and tangles down closer to the skin. You can avoid this by using the correct brush for your dog's coat type — such as an undercoat rake if your dog has a double coat, or a rotating pin comb or slicker brush if your dog has a single layer curly coat.
Check out this article for an in-depth look at what combs or brushes work best for your dog's particular coat. Using a detangling leave-in conditioning spray can make brushing easier as well, especially if your dog has a long coat that tangles easily.
Spray the leave-in conditioner on your dog's damp coat after their bath and before drying, or lightly spray over dry fur and brush it through your dog's coat. Mats often form underneath your dog's collar or the parts of their chest and armpits where their walking harness rests. Please do not ask us to do so as we will not compromise our professional standards.
Shaving a matted coat is a delicate and slow process requiring experience and expertise. Clippers can easily cut loose skin if not done properly and safely. After shaving, a pet may develop an itchy skin response. Owners should watch to ensure that constant scratching does not cause the skin to become irritated. Dead, loose hairs should be removed through regular and thorough brushing. This is especially important for long-haired dogs, and when dogs shed seasonally.
Brushing also aerates the fur and skin. Regular, professional grooming is essential, too, because Dog Day Afternoon groomers thoroughly bathe and brush with particular attention to areas where mats quickly form. Sign up when you make your next reservation or during your next appointment. Learn more. We offer other services that can help prevent matting and control shedding:.
Welcome A Beginners Guide. Grooming Services About Matting. FURminator Treatment.
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