May 26, 2025
Have you been petting your dog and find a clump of knotted fur? Mats are quite common in dogs with longer or curly fur. While the dog above on the left is an extreme case of matted fur, mats can lead to serious health problems. A brushed and well groomed dog is a happy dog as you can see on the right.
Mats can be found anywhere, but most commonly they happen where the dog’s fur rubs together. Dogs with soft fur instead of short and course, need to be checked routinely for matted fur.
What causes mats?
Friction- This happens in the areas on a dog where their hair naturally meets, whether from laying or sitting.
Scratching- If a dog tends to scratch due to dry skin or allergies, this can cause the fur to get snarled.
Shedding- Many dogs shed. During this time the fur they are shedding can become entwined in their coat.
Water- Whether from swimming or a bath, a wet coat that dries without brushing can become curly and twisted.
Preventing clusters of fur
RULE #1-
Brush your dog several times a week. By brushing you can untangle snarled hair before it becomes matted.
Clumped hair can lead to bigger problems, that can impact their health. As the hair grows, it can become painful. It can twist the skin, cutting off circulation or worse, cause a hematoma.
Hematoma- A solid swelling of clotted blood within the tissues underneath the skin.
Steps to deal with matted fur
First make sure your dog is relaxed and calm. Offer praise and treats.
Condition the hair- Use a waterless no-rinse dog shampoo. This hydrates the fur, making it easier to separate. Non-stick cooking spray or a little cornstarch will work as well.
Use your fingers
Start by holding the base of the mat with one hand. This protects your dog’s skin from pulling as you work to detangle the mat. Then begin at the top of the mat, gently working your way down.
Brush it out
If using your fingers doesn’t pull apart the mat, move on to trying to brush it out. Always hold the base of the mat, then use a slicker brush. Start at the bottom of the clump and work your way up.
Comb it out
If that doesn’t work, move on to a deshedding rake or a finishing comb. Again, hold the base of the mat. Start at the top. Try different angles if one side isn’t working.
Cut it out
If brushing and combing hasn’t worked, use an electric pet trimmer.
Why not just cut it out? There is a risk of cutting or nicking their skin with a scissors. Trimmers are made to safely touch the skin without cutting it.
Grip the bottom of the mat. Separate the excess hair around the mat, so you don’t cut any more fur than necessary. Put the blade of the clipper toward the bottom of the mat. Avoid getting too close to the skin, as it may startle the dog. Slowly trim through the mat, making sure to cut all the way through the clump.
Note: If your dog has never been exposed to an electric pet trimmer, ease them into using it. Make sure they are calm. Just turn on the clipper so they get used too what it sounds like. Praise and treats will help them know that it is okay.
A dog free of mats is a happy dog
While looking for lumps, bumps or fleas and ticks, look for any tangled hair. Dealing with it right away will be a lot less involved and easier than later.
For more skin and coat care information see the links below: