How To Help Your Matted Dog

Matted dog hair is not only an eyesore, but it’s also a pretty big discomfort to your dog! Dogs’ hair can become matted for a number of reasons including when they get wet and after a long time without grooming. It’s crucial that you address the problem as quickly as possible as untreated matted fur can be near impossible to resolve without shaving them bare!

Check out our suggestions below on how to help your furry friend get through the problems associated with matted hair.


What is matted hair?

Mats are tangled clumps of hair in a pet’s coat. Matting commonly occurs on the back of ears, the tummy, arms, and legs. It’s more likely to happen to long-haired dogs and is more prevalent during the shedding season.

It’s essential to extract these lumps of hair before it causes discomfort and pain to your best furry friend. You don’t want to wait until the matted hair gets larger, as it’ll be harder to remove. Matted hair in dogs can cause skin irritation, prevent proper temperature regulation, and become a home for fleas and parasites.

Here’s what you can do to remove matted hair and prevent it from forming in the first place.



1. Brush your pooch regularly

The best way to prevent matted hair is by regular brushing. Brushing and combing your dog’s coat will help detangle the hair and smoothen it. Different types of hair need different types of combs. The use of a proper brush will help to brush and comb the hair more effectively and safely. Using the wrong brush can result in injuries such as bleeding and irritation.

You can also use detangler cream or spray to help brush through the hair easier.

One of the most common mistakes by dog owners is combing only the top layer of the coat. Ideally, you want to get down to the bottom layers of the coat. You can do this with a technique referred to as ‘line brushing’. With this method, you want to start brushing at the lowest point of your dog’s body. Brush against the grain to remove any hair that would normally be missed using normal brushing techniques.

How often you brush your dog’s coat depends on how long and thick the hair is. If your pooch has long fur, a curly coat, or fine hair, you’d want to brush it as often as possible, preferably daily. Other types of hair only need a once a week grooming session.



2. Trim their coat

A well-kept shorter coat can help make brushing easier and will prevent the formation of matting. There are many other benefits that come with trimmed hair, such as better hygiene and better air movement throughout the coat. However, it’s important that you don’t shave all the hair off your pooch. The hair is crucial in keeping your canine’s skin protected from the sun, and it acts as a heat regulator.


3. Visit a professional dog groomer regularly

Some types of canines such as poodles, Bichon Frises, and other mixed-breeds have very fine hair, which can be difficult to maintain. In these cases, it’s recommended to visit a professional groomer who has the skills, training, and the right equipment to help groom your lovely pup.


Nobody wants to see their furry friend in pain, but mats can really be uncomfortable. So book your dog into your local The Dog Stop‘s grooming facility to see to that stuck fur! Your dog will be so thankful.