What to do when your dog’s coat gets matted

Matted dog fur is more serious than an unsightly knot. It can actually have lasting negative health impacts. Here’s what you need to know.

Matting is when dead or loose fur wraps itself around live fur. As more fur gets caught in the mat and gets tighter, the mat gets closer to your dog’s skin. Mats can be difficult to brush out, though. This article will give you tips to prevent matting, handle brushing, and what to do if mats develop.

Matting is more serious than just impacting your pup’s appearance. Thick mats prevent their ability to regulate their temperature, give unwanted critters like fleas and parasites places to hide, and are extremely painful. Here’s what to know about them:

Mats often occur wherever there are points of friction. Thick mats often develop close to the skin, then pull at it whenever your dog walks, runs, or tries to jump. This leads to skin irritation and makes life miserable for your pet. The good news? Matting can be prevented with routine care.

The biggest cause of matting is neglect. Skipping regular brushing is the fast path to mats, which means the easiest way to prevent them is to keep up with your dog’s regular wellness care and bathing needs.

Static electricity and dry skin can cause matting, so add a little mist from a spray bottle when you brush your dog. Doing so will prevent static and keep tangles away. How often you need to brush your dog comes down to the breed, however. A short-haired dog (like a Rottweiler) may only need a brushing every couple of weeks. Long-hair dogs like Collies may need brushing every other day or even daily.

If you’re not sure, check in with your local personal pet care specialist.

There are many varieties of brushes, combs, rakes, and other tools to assist the brushing and mat-prevention process. Choosing the correct brush for your dog will make this easier and more effective. Some of the basic brush styles include:

If your pet’s tangles and mats are caught early, you may be able to remove them without cutting or shaving. The important ingredients are patience, patience, and a lot of patience. Here are some tips to make this event easier:

Ask your pet wellness professional or veterinarian if you’re not sure which tools to use. Work in very small sections at a time. Start at the end of the fur and move your way closer to the skin. Never yank or pull on the fur.

No pet parent likes to see their dog’s beautiful coat with big bald spots in it, but some mats and tangles are so severe that the humane choice is to shave your dog. If your dog has matting all over their body, for example, you may need to shave them.

Remember that mats start at the base of the fur, not the surface. The worse the matting gets, the closer it gets to the skin. Cutting mats out is risky because of how close to the skin sharp scissors need to be. Severe matting will require a trip to a dog care professional. If this happens, take comfort in knowing your dog’s fur will grow back. And they’ll no longer be in pain from the pulling of their skin!

Give your pup regular brushings based on his breed and needs. Even the most diligent pet parent can miss mats, though, so consider setting your dog up with a routine wellness care membership. Scenthound’s team of experts will inspect their entire coat and pay special attention to problem areas, keeping your pup happy and healthy for years to come. Find your Scenthound location and learn more about how we can help.