Help! My Dog’s Hair is Matted
A well-groomed pup is a happy pup, but sometimes pesky mats can prevent them from looking their best. If tangled hair is your worst nightmare, then imagine how it must be for your pooch!
Follow these tips and tricks if your dog’s hair is matted.
What Is Matted Dog Hair?
Matted dog hair often occurs in areas that experience high friction or rubbing, such as under the collar, behind the ears, or on the lower legs. Matting happens when natural oils and skin cells build up in the fur, causing severe tangling and potentially damaging the skin.
Mats and knots are common among pooches with longer coats, heavy shedders, and certain other breeds such as Poodles, Bichon Frise, and Cocker Spaniels.
Beyond their not-so-sleek appearance, mats could lead to more issues when not attended to. Matted fur is an excellent hiding spot for fleas and ticks, making them difficult to see. Some dogs may also feel tempted to scratch their mats, which can cause skin tearing or irritation if their nails get caught.
How to Get Mats Out of Dog Hair
There are many ways to remove matted dog hair right from the comfort of your own home. Here are some simple and effective methods:
🧴 Apply a Detangling Spray: When trying to work out matted dog hair, avoid getting it too wet. Instead, slowly work in a detangling spray to moisturize the affected area.
🐶 Comb It Out: Gently grip the mat as close to the skin as possible; this will minimize pulling and reduce discomfort. Using a dog comb, comb the mat in small sections at a time. Be patient; slow and steady is the best method for detangling your pup’s coat!
🧰 Expand Your Tool Kit: If your dog’s tangles are especially pesky or in difficult-to-access spots, find specially designed mat-removing tools. Some dog combs come in a compact size to access hard-to-reach areas or feature recessed blades to help cut out the toughest mats.
✂ Snip It Off: In cases where the mat is heavily tangled, you can use scissors to trim your dog’s hair. After isolating the area, slide one blade through the bottom and cut upward in a vertical motion (parallel to the skin). Once most of it has been cut away, use a brush or comb to work out the rest.
No matter how you remove matted dog hair, use your judgement and do what you’re most comfortable with. You can always visit a professional groomer if your dog’s hair is matted severely or if you’re having trouble removing mats.
How to Prevent Future Matting
Regular brushing is the best way to prevent mats. Depending on your dog’s coat type, you may need to brush them at least two to three times a week and after baths with a detangling shampoo to prevent serious knots and matting.
🐾 RELATED: How to Brush Your Dog
Remember to check high-friction areas for mats and pay attention to which side of the body your dog tends to favor when lying down; those areas can be especially prone to matting!
The Mane Attraction
Matted dog hair may look intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. As long as you’re careful and attentive, mats are quite easy to remove and prevent. Don’t panic if your dog’s hair is matted. Following these tips will make it easier to maintain a tangle-free, smooth coat right in the comfort of your own home!
