Any long hair dog can get matting, but certain breeds and coat types are more prone to matting, such as Poodles, Doodles, Curly coats, Cocker Spaniels, Bishon, ShihTzu and any variation of these breeds. Dogs with long silky coats such as Yorkies can also get matted as well as double coated dogs.
Although it is possible for short haired dogs to get mats or tangles in their hair, it is not a reoccurring problem that you should worry about. Most of the time, matted fur develops in dogs with medium to long hair. The fur needs to be long enough to attach themselves together.
Chronically matted hair and strangulating hair mats in dogs are recognized by veterinarians as a medical finding in animal neglect.
Skipping regular brushing is the fast path to mats, which means the easiest way to prevent them is to keep up with your dog's regular wellness care and bathing needs. Static electricity and dry skin can cause matting, so add a little mist from a spray bottle when you brush your dog.
Causes of Matted Hair in Dogs
Dogs that sit a lot, or are “right-hipped” or “left-hipped” when they sit, will get mats from the fur being compacted in that spot, Verplank adds. Neglect and lack of grooming also cause tangles and knots.
Any long hair dog can get matting, but certain breeds and coat types are more prone to matting, such as Poodles, Doodles, Curly coats, Cocker Spaniels, Bishon, ShihTzu and any variation of these breeds. Dogs with long silky coats such as Yorkies can also get matted as well as double coated dogs.
Using clippers is a great way to get rid of tricky mats because of their varying attachment sizes and the different options you have for the length of your trim. Most grooming clippers are also designed to avoid nicks and cuts, again making them safer to use than scissors.
If you notice a mat which cannot be easily brushed out, your pet should visit a groomer or veterinarian. They can safely clip the mats out and provide instant relief. If a pet is severely matted he may require sedation and full body clipping. NEVER cut mats out with scissors.
The easiest way to tell if your pet is matted is to comb through the coat, all the way down to the skin. Use a fine to medium toothed comb. If the comb becomes stuck in any way in the coat, you have probably found a mat.
Bathe your dog regularly, but only once you can get a comb through his fur or hair. Bathing a matted dog will make the situation worse. Conditioner alone does not magically remove matting. Talk to your groomer about how often your particular breed needs bathing.
Groomers can't just cut out the mats either since hat will be quite risky for your dog. They will only remove mats safely with clippers. While shaving out mats will remove a large amount of fur, clippers are the safest way to shave out tangled fur.
Veterinarians recognize chronically matted hair and strangulating hair mats in dogs as a medical finding in animal neglect.
Matting Affects Circulation
By trapping blood near the surface of the skin, matting may keep blood from flowing to the feet, ears and tail, which can cause severe wounds (like bed sores) or allow your pet to overheat in the summer or contract frostbite in the winter.
DON'T brush damp fur
Because brushing your dog when his hair is wet can be quite painful, while also creating more tangles and knots. That's why you should always brush dogs before you bathe them and then just let it all dry naturally afterward.
“Matting” refers to densely tangled clumps of fur in a pet's coat. If a coat is not properly and/or frequently brushed, loose and live hair become embedded in large masses. Sometimes mats can be combed out, but if left too long, it is impossible without seriously harming the animal.
The most common are the “nuggets”, impacted undercoat and spiderweb mats.
The best way to remove matted hair from dogs is to get stuck in and gently brush. Firstly, start with your fingers and gently work through the matter hair as much as you can before you take a brush to it. Once you have done this, take a dog brush or metallic comb to the matted hair that is left over.
Unhealthy coat's appearance: A dog with an unhealthy coat will have dry and brittle hair with lots of loose hair in the coat. The coat itself may also be greasy or have a dusty appearance and include bald spots and an unpleasant oily smell.
Combing is an effective way to remove mats from your pet's fur and maintain a smooth, tangle-free coat. Matting is described as densely tangled clumps of fur that form on a pet's outer coat or deeper undercoat. Mats typically occur when a coat has not been properly or frequently brushed.
A: Yes, when used regularly, a good quality detangling spray will be effective at eliminating tangles and knots in your dog's fur. It can also make brushing and combing easier, helping to improve overall coat condition.
If your dog has long hair and sensitive skin, your options for keeping her coat tangle-free and soft are limited. Make an all natural coat detangler at home using coconut oil and fresh rosemary. This wonderful concoction will make her coat soft, shiny and keep it smelling wonderful.
How to use this dog dematting comb to get the best possible result? It's always a good idea to bathe your dog before grooming. This way you can remove every dirt from the coat, plus you can apply some moisture which will make the process a lot easier.
Smelling badly, having rashes or other skin conditions that might indicate poor hygiene, and having consistently unwashed or matted hair could all be signs of neglect.