5 Tricks to Get Mats Out of Dog Hair

5 Tricks to Get Mats Out of Dog Hair

So, there you are petting your dog, and you suddenly come across a clump of knotted fur. Hmm, that’s strange, you think. You try to use your fingers to smooth it out but no luck... If this has happened to you, you’re not alone. These clumps of fur, or mats, are common, especially for dogs with longer or curly hair.

Although mats can be found anywhere on your dog’s body, they’re commonly found in areas where your dog’s fur rubs together. Adding simple steps to your grooming routine can help prevent mats. If you have a dog with hair that’s soft to the touch rather than short and coarse, make sure to regularly check your dog for mats.

What are the tricks to getting mats out of your dog’s hair? Here are 5 things you can do to safely remove mats.

How to detangle, prevent and cut matted dog hair

• 1

  Condition the Hair

  First, make sure your dog is comfortable and calm. Pet them and offer treats (this will also help distract them). Once your dog is relaxed, hydrate their hair by spraying the coat with a coat conditioner, like Wahl’s Waterless No-Rinse Shampoo. This will make it easier to separate the clumps. If you don’t have a coat conditioner, you can use a non-stick cooking spray or a bit of cornstarch.

• 2

  Use your Fingers

  Start by holding the base of the mat with one hand. This will protect your dog’s skin from pulling as you attempt to detangle the mat. Once you have a grip on the base, use your other hand to gently detangle the mat. Begin at the top of the mat and work your way down.

• 3

  Brush it Out

  If you can’t remove the mat using your fingers, move onto a dog brush, such as Wahl’s Slicker Brush. It provides dual-level pins to help brush through the hair from top to bottom. Make sure to continue holding the base of the mat, starting at the bottom and working your way up and away from the skin. If one side of the mat isn’t loosening, try brushing from different sides. Brushing can also help release any debris that might be caught in your dog’s hair.

• 4

  Comb it Out

  That pesky mat still isn’t loosening up? Okay, time to move onto something stronger. If you are able to partially separate the mat, switch to a de-shedding rake or finishing comb. Hold the base of the mat with your fingers to avoid pulling your dog’s skin and pull the comb through the mat, starting toward the top, which is usually the easiest part to untangle. Slowly work your down the mat as you untangle it. Again, try approaching the mat from different angles if one side isn’t working.

• 5

  Cut it Out

  If separating, brushing and combing the mat out does not work, use an electric pet trimmer or clipper to cut it out. Why an electric trimmer versus scissors? There’s a chance you could cut or nick your dog’s skin with scissors. Electric clippers and trimmers are designed to safely touch the skin without cutting it. And given our dogs don’t always stay still when we ask them to, it’s best not to take a chance.

  Make sure to get a firm grip on the bottom of the mat and separate the excess hair around the mat so you don’t cut too much hair. Place the blade of the trimmer or clipper toward the bottom of the mat. Even though it’s safe for the blade to touch the skin, try avoiding going too close to the skin as this will startle your dog. Turn on the trimmer and gently and slowly cut through the mat. Pay close attention because you may not have to cut all the way through the mat if it loosens up as you cut.

Even if you’ve done all you can to prevent your dog’s hair from matting, most dogs with soft or long hair occasionally develop mats between grooming. Dealing with them doesn’t have to be a traumatizing experience for either you or your dog. If mats aren’t removed, they can become painful by pulling at your dog’s skin or starting to itch. It’s best to remove mats carefully and quickly before they get out of control.

Your Questions About Mats Removal and Prevention: