How to Prevent Dog Hair from Matting

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How to Prevent Dog Hair from Matting

Medium

20 - 30 Minutes

1 Day

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Introduction

Missy and Moe are two young, Rough Collie littermates that belong to different families in the same farming neighborhood. Missy is always covered in thick mats that are uncomfortable and cause sores on her skin. Her family routinely has to pay to have the mats clipped off and her sores treated. Moe, on the other hand, has no mats!. He has long, flowing, soft fur in great condition and looks just like Lassie.

What is the difference? Why is Missy a matted mess, and Moe a manicured diva?

Moe’s owners take the time to prevent his lovely sable locks from matting! As a result, Moe looks great and feels great, with no moisture is getting trapped against his skin below the mats, and he has no skin sores or hot spots as a result. The neighbor kids love to pet Moe, but poor Missy is always a mess.

Dog's Perspective

A dog that has matted hair will be uncomfortable, may be itchy, could and have sores, yeast infections, bacterial infections, and debris trapped in or below their mats. A dog whose coat is well cared for will experience fewer health problems and be much healthier and happier. Regular brushing and treatment to prevent mats can be time-consuming, but if performed regularly and with patience, most dogs love the regular grooming and attention.

The Brush Daily Method

Effective

0 Votes

Spray

Slicker Brush

Scissors

Pin Brush

Deshedder

Dematter

Comb

Step

Use the right tools and products

Make sure you have the right grooming tools for the job: rakes for long haired dogs, combs, slicker brushes, boar bristle brushes and pin brushes are all useful, but you will need to determine which brush and comb combination works best for your dog’s coat. Also, detangling spray is a useful grooming aide.

Step

Brush body

Pick out any obvious debris, burrs, sticks etc. with your fingers. Spray your dog with detangler and start brushing at your dog’s neck, working backwards. You can also use baking soda or cornstarch on your dog's coat before and during grooming to help lubricate hairs and allow them to slide more easily when brushing.

Step

Work down to skin

Part hair and get right down to the skin to remove debris and tangles from your dog’s coat. Work all over your dog’s body, including under the limbs and belly.

Step

Brush legs and face

Brush legs and face with a soft bristled brush

Step

Comb and cut

Use a comb to part and comb hair on the body, face and legs to remove all tangles. Cut out any knots you find with scissors held parallel to your dog’s body.

The Bathe Regularly Method

Effective

0 Votes

Spray

Slicker Brush

Shampoo

Dryer

Towel

Step

Determine products and frequency

Your dog can be bathed anywhere from once a week to once a month, depending on his coat type and activity levels. Determine what bathing schedule is most effective for your dog to keep his coat in good condition, but not to over-bathe and create dry hair and skin. Dry hair will be just as apt to tangle and mat as dirty hair. Determine what detangler and dog shampoo is appropriate for your dog’s coat type and choose an approached dog conditioner.

Step

Brush thoroughly

Brush your dog prior to bathing and remove all debris and tangles.

Step

Shampoo

Wet your dog down from back of neck to hind end end. A handheld shower in a bathtub is ideal. Dilute and distribute detangling dog shampoo evenly throughout his coat, massage in evenly.

Step

Wash face

Wash face with a facecloth and keep soap and water out of ears, eyes and mouth.

Step

Conditon

Condition your dog with a dog-appropriate detangling conditioner and rinse or use leave in conditioner.

Step

Dry

Pat dry with a towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can cause tangles and mats. Thoroughly brush and blow dry your dog on a low heat setting. Avoid air drying as wet hair can tangle during a long drying process. If you need to air dry, brush coat down to the skin after your dog is dry.

Caution & Considerations

When bathing, use a non-slip mat to prevent injury.
Use warm, but not hot, water for bathing.
Get advice from experts on what products and grooming tools are appropriate for your dog’s hair type.
Avoid pulling your dog’s hair and creating a negative association, which will make future grooming more difficult. Use patience and take breaks as often as necessary.
Keep grooming schedule up regularly to prevent tangles from forming, making grooming more uncomfortable for your dog.
A good diet and fish oil supplements will also improve your dog’s hair coat health and prevent mats.
Be careful when cutting knots out with scissors so as not to injure your dog, do not point scissor tips at your dog.

Conclusion

Regular brushing and bathing with the right products and the right tools will prevent your dog’s coat from matting. A matted coat is not only uncomfortable, but it can be time-consuming and expensive to remove mats and treat skin conditions that develop as result. It is well worth it to prevent these mats from forming in the first place. A dog with a sleek, mat and tangle-free coat is healthier, happier, cleaner, and much nicer to pet! Remember, daily brushing and a regular bathing schedule will keep your dog looking and feeling like a diva.

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

Grooming Questions & Answers

Question

Kaylee

Shih Tzu

9 Years

1 found helpful

Question

1 found helpful

Kaylee

Shih Tzu

9 Years

The hair on her tail is very matted to the skin. How can I detangle without hurting her?

4 years, 12 months ago

Kaylee's Owner

Darlene Stott

Dog Trainer and Groomer

0 Dog owners recommended

Hi Sharon, sometimes the only way to get rid of a tight tangle like that is to cut the mat out. Don't try to get close to the skin. Cut the outer edge of the mat and see if it works its way out over the day. If not, cut a bit more. You do not want to cut Kaylee's skin, so you have to work slowly. Alternatively, take Kaylee to the groomer who may have a product that can loosen the knot - or, they can do the cutting for you. Once the mat is removed, give Kaylee a gentle brushing each day to prevent knots. Good luck!

4 years, 12 months ago

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Question

Belle

Shichon

9 Years

0 found helpful

Question

0 found helpful

Belle

Shichon

9 Years

Best way to remove mats from legs and face?

4 years, 2 months ago

Belle's Owner

Darlene Stott

Dog Trainer and Groomer

0 Dog owners recommended

Thank you for the question and the picture of cute little Belle. These mats easily form, I know. I have a dog who mats, too. I typically have to cut the mats out if they get too tangly. (Note: once they are removed, brush Belle a few times a week to prevent them from returning.) You can try a detangling spray, and then separate the mats to trim with the scissors, or comb out if possible. If the mats are too thick, it's best to cut them and not worry about how she looks until the fur grows in. It won't be long and she will be more comfortable in the meantime. Take a look at this link for help: https://wagwalking.com/grooming/groom-a-dog-with-matted-hair All the best to you and Belle!

4 years, 2 months ago