How do I remove matted hair from my dog?

It’s a necessity of pet ownership to remove matted dog hair, especially if your dog has long hair.

Hair clumps and matted hair are typically nothing serious, but they should be dealt with to make your dog feel more at ease and keep her appearance spotless!

When your dog’s hair tangles into tight knots over time, it becomes matted. These tangled knots are also referred to as “mats,” which frequently have an unpleasant appearance and are challenging to brush through.

There are a few factors that cause matted dog hair. For a variety of reasons, dog hair can tangle and mat, and different hair lengths can produce different types of matting. Long-haired dogs frequently have two layers, though some may only have one soft coat that mats easily.

Matting is most prevalent where there is friction, such as between your dog’s legs, close to the collar, and around the ears. Dogs shed hair, so matting occurs when the previous hair is not properly brushed away. This is why grooming your dog regularly is so important.

Additionally, if your dog runs through a wooded area or gets muddy, it may result in matted hair. Therefore, your dog will be more prone to matted hair if he or she enjoys running through the great outdoors.

Best Dog Clippers For Matted Hair

You don’t need heavy-duty dog clippers for matted hair. A simple set of shears should do the trick. But because the tips of these Chibuy Professional Pet Grooming Scissors are rounded to prevent poking or sharp stabs if your dog becomes restless, they were made with dogs in mind. You could also use thinning shears, which break up hair without cutting it off entirely.

What Causes Matted Hair In Dogs?

In a pet’s coat, “matting” refers to dense or tangled clumps of hair. Long-haired dogs (and cats) are more likely to develop mats, especially during the shedding season. If the excess fur isn’t sufficiently removed with a brush, matting will develop. Dogs who scratch themselves and get their fur wet in the rain or snow may also develop mats.

The typical beginning of a mat is a small knot, but this can quickly grow into a large clump. Left untreated, mats get larger and more difficult to remove. Large mats can occasionally be removed by pulling on the skin, which causes your dog great pain. Understanding the most effective way to get rid of them is crucial for this reason. If the mats become too much for you to handle, you should seek professional help.

Severe matting can also result in health issues like poor blood flow and ventilation. You should speak with your veterinarian right away if mats begin to turn pink or red (or smell), as this could be an indication of an infection that needs professional removal and treatment.

How do I remove matted hair from my dog?

The backs of their ears, butts, tummy region, and areas under their arms and legs are among the many places on a dog or cat’s coat where mats can develop.

It’s important to regularly brush and groom your pet to remove extra hair in order to maintain a healthy coat and prevent mats from forming. But often, they sneak up on you out of nowhere.

Make sure you have all the necessary supplies and tools on hand before learning how to demat a dog. These will help set you up for dematting success.

We advise a shampoo that cleans and conditions if your dog is prone to tangles. A leading supplier of canine CBD oils, Honest Paws has created a 5-in-1 Dog Wash that accomplishes this (and more). They use coconut, palm, oatmeal, and aloe extracts to create their plant-based formula in the USA. It washes, conditions, deodorizes, moisturizes, and detangles. We were given the chance to use it in exchange for an unbiased review.

How do I remove matted hair from my dog?

Regular dog brushes are excellent for general upkeep and shedding, but a dedicated detangler brush is required to remove mats as painlessly as possible. We advise the Poodle Pet Dematting Fur Rake (or an equivalent tool), which has stainless steel blades with serrations to aid in breaking up the hair while combing.

To detangle hair, it’s a good idea to have a brush and dematting comb in addition to a gentle comb like this one made of stainless steel by Hbuir. It has a cozy handle and is available in three sizes, one of which is double-sided.

Next in your arsenal is a detangling conditioning spray. Although there are many options available, including the highly regarded Cowboy Magic spray, SKOUT’S HONOR Probiotic Daily-Use Spray is our top pick for the best dog detangler. I personally applied this to our dog (in the lavender scent for a calming effect) and I appreciate that it is an all-natural, non-GMO, tear-free remedy that comes with a 100% money-back guarantee and also helps dogs in need.

How To Get Mats Out Of Dog Hair

Now that you have the necessary supplies, it’s time to spoil your dog. Keep in mind, that this isn’t a doggy spa treatment. It’s a delicate process that takes both your patience and that of your dog to untangle a dog’s matted coat. Here are some steps to remove mats.

  • Get you and your dog in a comfortable position where you can maintain control of your pup without making him feel trapped or scared. The kitchen counter, dining room table, or another stable piece of furniture works well, so they’re at eye level with you (to mimic being at the vet or groomer). If your dog is large or more skittish (like my pup), you might try to cradle him on the sofa or get in a more relaxed spot.
  • Use your fingers to gently massage the knot. This helps to loosen the hair naturally before getting the tools out.
  • Separate the mat from the surrounding hair by gently brushing back the areas around the clump of hair to focus on the problem spot.
  • Gently brush the matted area with a soft bristle brush alternating directions. Place your fingers under the base but above the skin to help keep tugging the skin to a minimum when brushing. Sweep the brush sideways to break up the hair fibers.
  • Using a dematting comb, start at the top (furthest from the skin) to detangle the mat and work your way towards the base. Be extra careful not to snag the skin (keeping your hand under the fur helps).
  • Spray your conditioner around the matted area until it’s slightly damp. This step is optional, but we found that the conditioner makes it easier to get the brush to glide through the hair.
  • Use a stainless steel comb to finish going over the newly detangled hair, working the conditioner in evenly.
  • Don’t forget to pet your pup, give him words of affection and treats once the process is complete (and throughout the steps above if needed).
  • FAQ

    What loosens matted dog hair?

    Use corn starch to help loosen matted dog hair. To help loosen, work some into the mat, then brush it out. Don’t assume that conditioner will remove or loosen mats. Before the bath, they must be thoroughly brushed and combed out.

    How do you get rid of matted dog hair at home?

    How to Remove Mats from Your Dog’s Coat
    1. To prevent damaging your dog’s skin, hold the entire mat in your hand at the base of the mat (closest to your dog’s skin).
    2. Rub a pinch of cornstarch into the mat. …
    3. Use a Matbreaker to split the mat. …
    4. Use a slicker brush to break up the mat.

    How do you clean severely matted dog hair?

    Gently brush the matted area in alternating directions with a soft bristle brush. When brushing, place your fingers under the base but above the skin to help minimize pulling. Sweep the brush sideways to break up the hair fibers.

    What do I do if my dog is severely matted?

    Using dematting tools and products, small sections of hair must be worked on at a time to release the mats before being brushed. If your dog has severe matting, clipping his hair short would be the safest and most humane way to remove the mats.