Dealing with Matted Dog Hair

If you have ever run your hands over your dog’s coat only to discover a knot or tangle, your dog’s hair might be matted. Matted hair is not only extremely uncomfortable for your dog; it can potentially lead to health issues. Regular grooming and brushing will help tangles, and prevent painful clumps of knots. Any dog can get matted hair, but some breeds with long or curly hair or double coats are more prone. We look at the causes of matted hair in dogs, how to cope with it, and how to prevent it.

What is matted dog hair?

Matted dog hair refers to dog fur that becomes intertwined and knotted, resulting in the formation of dense clumps or mats. It begins when loose strands of hair twist and tangle around attached hairs, resulting in a tightly wound clump. The matted clumps of hair tug on the dog’s skin, pulling out hair that the root attaches to nerve endings. When these clumps of fur are not attended to with grooming or brushing, they grow and become more painful. Mats tend to form in areas on the dog where there is the most friction, like around the neck, where the collar sits, under their chin, armpits, and behind their ears.

Matting can begin with small unnoticeable knots that, if left unattended, can progress to mild matting and eventually severe matting. Mild matting may be noticeable when brushing the dogs coat, leading to cut off the blood supply, causing the skin to bruise or rip the skin, which is not only uncomfortable but can attract fleas and parasites. Severe matting can be excruciatingly painful for your four-legged friend and can result in rotting skin and fur. In extreme cases the dog’s fur may need to be shaved short and sometimes this has to be done at a vet under anaesthetic.

Dogs with double coats, like Australian Shepherds, or long-haired breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, as well as curly-haired varieties like Poodles and Doodles, are prone to developing mats if not groomed and brushed consistently. Due to the higher maintenance nature of their coats, regular grooming is essential to prevent mats. However, noticing mats can be challenging, as the outer layer of fur may give the impression of being easy to brush.

The difference between mats & cords

Some dog breeds have corded hair that appears matted but is not. Understanding the difference between mats and cords is essential as corded dogs are not in any discomfort, unlike dogs with matted hair. While mats are tangled knots that form into a large clump and can cause pain, cords are long twists of hair that are intentionally created. Many say that corded dogs have hair rather than fur. It is usually long, wavey, and found on breeds like the poodle, bergamasco shepherd, havanese, komondor, and puli.

The coats of corded dogs look like dreadlocks. Some breeds naturally form cords, but most are created with meticulous grooming by hand. Like other dog breeds, corded dogs require constant attention and grooming to ensure mats do not form underneath.

Causes of matting

Dogs’ hair can become matted for various reasons, from breeds to seasonal issues and allergies. We look at the possible causes of matting here.

• Not bathing. Regular bathing helps reduce matting because soap and water remove things stuck in the dog’s hair that may cause tangles. If you don’t bathe your dog and get rid of things like dead fur and objects stuck to the fur, knots build up and cause matting.
• Not brushing. Removing excess hair and foreign objects will be difficult if a dog isn’t brushed regularly. Not brushing your dog also means you cannot see if any mats are starting to form.
• Frictional. Matting tends to be found on a dog in areas where the most friction occurs. These are the areas where a dog’s fur might rub together, like a collar, harness, or any area with consistent scratching.
• Dirt. When a dog plays or rolls in the dirt, it can stay on the coat and cause matting. Dirt gets caught between the delicate strands of hair, sticking to the dog’s skin and creating knots and tangles. A build-up of tangles turns into clumps, which then become mats.
• Weeds. Certain weeds are particularly sticky and will attach themselves to the dog’s hair. Weeds like cleavers, goosegrass, and burrweed, have long pointy ends that can attach to the dog’s hair and become tangled.
• Seasonal. Dogs tend to shed their coats seasonally, and the residual fur can mix with dead skin and lead to matting.
• Allergies. Dogs can suffer from skin, food and environmental allergies, which may cause excessive scratching and rubbing.
• Fleas. Like allergies, fleas may cause incessant scratching, affecting the dog’s hair and causing tangling.
• Water. A dog that runs outside in the rain or jumps in the water and rolls around on the ground may get matted hair. Additionally, water in already matted hair will make it worse as it causes the mats to become tighter.

How to get matting out of dog hair

If you have detected matting in your dog’s hair, there are several ways to remove it. If the matting is mild enough, sometimes it can be brushed out gently using a detangling spray, conditioning solution and brush. Matting can be extremely painful for your dog, so try to remove mats in small sections of fur at a time. Remember not to use water when dematting your dog, as it makes the mats tighter and more painful. Never use scissors to cut mats out or yank on them, as there is potential for cutting or breaking the dog’s skin. Follow these steps for getting mats out of your dog’s hair.

1. Get the right equipment. Ensure you have the right equipment to remove the mats, as it will be more effective and hurt the dog less. Dematting brushes have different-sized bristles or metal prongs, so asking which type is best for your dog and situation is essential. There are also different clippers, each with its own use and advantage, so research what will work best for your dog. You will also need an excellent detangling oil or spray and a good shampoo and conditioner.
2. Use detangling oil. Before you brush the hair, try separating it and rubbing oil into the mat to help release the knot. Keep water away from the dog until the mats are removed. Bathing a dog with matted hair causes the mats to tighten, pull on the skin and cause more pain.
3. Brush the hair. Gently brush through the dog’s hair without pulling or yanking. This might be a long process but the most important thing is the dog stays comfortable and doesn’t feel too much pain.
4. Use clippers. If brushing and detangling oil don’t work, use the clippers carefully. Most grooming clippers are designed to avoid cutting the dog’s skin. Ease the clippers into the mat and carefully remove small sections until the mat is removed. If there is matting all over the dog, it is best to trim the whole dog’s coat or use a professional grooming service. Remember do not use scissors instead as they will cut or damage the dog.
5. Bathe the dog. Once the dog has been de-matted, it is time for a gentle and quick bath to remove any extra hair. However, do not bathe the dog if it has any cuts or open wounds.
6. Use a professional dog groomer. If the matting is severe, you will need to enlist the help of a professional groomer or vet. They will be able to ascertain the damage to the dog’s skin and assess the best way to treat the matted areas. Depending on the severity of the matting, a groomer might need to clip the dog’s hair as they need to get a blade under the mat to remove it. Sometimes groomers may need to shave a matted area, but it is a delicate process as a dog’s skin is quite sensitive and thin, particularly after being matted.

How to prevent dog matting

While it is common for dogs’ hair to become matted, it is avoidable if you know what to do. Follow these tips on how to prevent dog matting.

• Regular grooming and brushing. The best thing you can do to try and avoid matting is to groom and brush your dog regularly. How often your dog needs grooming depends mainly on the dog’s coat. Dogs with double coats, long hair, curly hair, and fine hair need to be groomed and brushed more often. More regular brushing is recommended in shedding season too. When brushing the dog, you must brush right down to the dog’s skin, as this is where mats form. Do not brush the actual skin, as it may cause irritation.
• Regular washing. Bathing your dog regularly will help prevent matting. A detangling shampoo and conditioning treatment keeps knots and tangles away and helps remove loose, dead hair. You can also use a leave-in conditioner on the dog’s coat while it is still damp to help keep it knot-free. Lightly spray the coat and brush through before drying. By bathing, you can also keep an eye on any potential developing knots before they have a chance to become matted.
• Keep fur trimmed short. Keeping the fur trimmed reduces the chances of matting and knotting for long-haired and curly-haired dogs. It also makes brushing easier. Dogs with long or curly hair should be trimmed at least every 4-8 weeks.
• Don’t leave a harness on your dog when not using it. As matting often occurs from friction, removing a harness from the dog when not using it is essential. Harnesses can rub against the dog’s skin, causing the area to become matted.
• Use a rolled leather collar. Instead of a flat collar, try a rolled leather collar with a round shape that protects from knots and tangles.
• Keep the dog away from sticky substances and dirt. Sticky substances and dirt will attach to the dog’s hair and cause tangles, so avoid contact with them.
• Regularly check for fleas. Check your dog regularly for fleas and other parasites, as matting can form from regular scratching or biting.

Dogs will run around and jump in the dirt at times, so it is only natural that their hair will get matted occasionally. The key is to ensure mats are recognised and dealt with quickly with regular brushing, grooming and bathing. Looking after our canine companions is a way to make them feel loved and keep them happy, healthy and thriving in life. With a few tips and tricks, you can help avoid the unnecessary discomfort of matted hair for your precious pooch.