How to Save Your Dog’s Matted Coat (and When to Let a Groomer Step In)
If you’ve ever run your hand through your dog’s fur and found clumps or tangles, you’re not alone. Mats happen — especially in breeds with long, curly, or double coats like Doodles, Shih Tzus, Cocker Spaniels, or Golden Retrievers.
Matted fur can be a painful and serious problem for dogs, leading to skin irritation, infections, and discomfort. As a dog owner, it's crucial to understand how to prevent and address matting. While some minor mats can be tackled at home, severe cases often require professional intervention.
What Causes Matting?
Matting occurs when loose hair gets tangled and woven together, forming dense clumps. This is especially common in dogs with long or curly coats. Factors that contribute to matting include:
Lack of regular brushing: This is the primary culprit. Without consistent brushing, shedding fur becomes trapped in the coat. Tip: If the comb can’t glide through easily, you’ve got a tangle starting — address it early!
Moisture: Wet fur, especially if not thoroughly dried, can cause hair to clump together.
Friction: Areas where harnesses rub, or where dogs frequently lie down, are prone to matting.
Dirty coat: Dirt and debris can also contribute to tangles and mats.
Over time, those tangles pull tighter, causing:
Skin irritation or sores
Restricted air circulation
Painful pulling when your dog moves
Hidden parasites or hot spots
Dangerous hematomas that can form if the matting is severe enough to pull and restrict blood flow to the skin
Mats can sneak up quickly, especially in humid weather or if your dog loves swimming, wearing collars, or rolling in the grass.
Home Remedies for Minor Mats
If you discover small, isolated mats, you may be able to carefully remove them yourself.
Gather your tools: You'll need a slicker brush, a comb with both wide and fine teeth, a mat splitter or dematting tool (optional), and dog-friendly detangling spray or cornstarch.
Assess the mat: Gently feel the mat to determine its size and how close it is to the skin. If it's very tight or large, do not attempt to remove it yourself.
Apply detangler or cornstarch: Spritz a detangling spray directly onto the mat, or sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch. This can help reduce friction and make the hair easier to separate.
Work slowly and gently: Using your fingers, carefully try to pull apart the larger sections of the mat. Then, use the wide-toothed comb to gently work from the outer edges of the mat inwards, going in small sections. Always hold the hair at the base of the mat close to the skin to prevent pulling on your dog's skin.
Use a mat splitter (if needed): For slightly tougher mats, a mat splitter or dematting tool can be used to carefully cut through the mat in the direction of the hair growth. Exercise extreme caution to avoid cutting your dog's skin.
Brush thoroughly: Once the mat is loosened or removed, brush the entire area with a slicker brush to ensure no remaining tangles.
Important Note: Never use scissors to cut out mats unless you are highly experienced. It is incredibly easy to accidentally snip your dog's skin, which can lead to serious injury and a costly vet visit.
When to Call a Professional Groomer
For extensive matting, tight mats close to the skin, or if your dog is stressed or in pain, it's always best to seek the help of a professional groomer. They have the experience, tools, and expertise to safely and effectively deal with severe matting.
Here’s what your groomer might do:
Assess the Situation: Your groomer will gently feel through your dog’s coat to see how bad the matting is and whether dematting (brushing out) is possible without pain.
Try Gentle Dematting (If It’s Safe): If the mats are light and your dog can tolerate it, your groomer might:
Use a detangling spray or conditioner
Work on small sections with a slicker brush or dematting comb
Take breaks to reduce stress
However, if your dog shows discomfort or the mats are too severe, your groomer may recommend another option.
The “Fresh Start” Shave-Down: Sometimes the kindest and safest solution is a full shave. While it can feel drastic, it’s a healthy reset that:
Removes painful mats instantly
Allows the skin to breathe and heal
Helps a new, soft coat grow back evenly
Most dogs feel immediate relief — and many owners are surprised how quickly the coat grows back!
Plan for Future Coat Care: After the shave, your groomer can help you set up a routine to prevent future matting. They can:
Teach you how to brush correctly
Recommend the best brushes, combs, and sprays
Suggest a grooming schedule that fits your dog’s coat type
It can be emotional to see your dog’s coat shaved down, especially if you love their fluffy look. But what matters most is your pup’s comfort and health. A matted coat can be painful, while a short, healthy coat feels fresh and lets you start over the right way.
Prevention is Key
The best way to deal with matted fur is to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Regular brushing: Establish a consistent brushing schedule based on your dog's coat type. Daily brushing is ideal for long-haired breeds. Use a slicker brush to loosen surface tangles and a metal comb to check down to the skin.
Professional grooming appointments: Schedule regular visits to a professional groomer for baths, trims, and/or thorough de-shedding. Even if you’re brushing at home, regular grooming appointments every 4–8 weeks (depending on your dog’s coat type) helps stay ahead of matting and keeps your pup’s coat manageable.
Proper drying: Always ensure your dog's coat is completely dry after baths or swimming.
Check friction points: Pay extra attention to areas prone to matting, such as behind the ears, armpits, under the harness, and around the tail.
Matting is common — but preventable. You can be proactive by brushing regularly, keeping up with professional grooming, and seeking professional help when needed. This can help to maintain your dog’s coat, keeping it soft, shiny, and mat-free. And if mats do happen, don’t panic. Your groomer is your best ally in getting your dog comfortable again, even if that means giving them a fresh new look. Share your matting stories below–we’d love to hear from you!