Using a detangling leave-in conditioning spray can make brushing easier as well, especially if your dog has a long coat that tangles easily. Spray the leave-in conditioner on your dog's damp coat after their bath and before drying, or lightly spray over dry fur and brush it through your dog's coat.
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.
The matting must be shaved out. Your dog's ears – The skin on your dog's ears is very sensitive and thin. If your dogs' ears become matted, the mats can cause delicate blood vessels in the ears to rupture, causing hematomas in the ears.
Dangers of Matted Hair in Dogs and Cats
While the effect of mild hair mats is usually minimal, matting can lead to pain and skin infections—similar to hot spots. Severe matting can cause discomfort or even damage to the underlying skin or joints, depending on the location.
Simply put, matting is painful for your dog. Even mild matting can cause your pet pain, stress and discomfort. And brushing out established matts involves a process of pulling live hair out of the skin as healthy hair has become enveloped by matts and clumps.
Lack of grooming: Dogs that are dirty, have matted fur, bald spots, overly long nails, and jagged or broken nails may be neglected.
Using coconut oil to unmat fur
Oil makes the hair smoother and softer, making the unmatting process a bit easier. To use coconut oil to unmat fur, warm some coconut oil to a liquid (but not hot!) state and gently massage it into your dog's fur and skin.
Be sure all the mats and tangles are gone before you wet your dog, as water will make a tangle worse and a mat tighter and harder to get out. Use Rosewater Shampoo to get your dog clean, and follow with Rosewater Conditioner to help ensure mats and tangles don't develop as you are drying your dog.
My favorite technique for removing furry mats from dogs and cats is to apply olive oil to the base of the mat. Then just sit back and wait for the mat to fall off on its own. If you apply enough oil to the right spot, the mat will just fall off within a few days.
Pour a little baby oil onto a cotton ball and gently work it into the area to loosen the residue and make it easier to dab off.
Don't bathe your dog, as the mats will soak up water and become even tighter. Try using cornstarch to help loosen the fur. Rub it directly into the matted area.
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.
Mix one part baking soda with three parts conditioner. Make sure the mixture is well blended. Divide your hair into sections so that you can apply the mixture to all the parts of your hair and scalp. Once you've applied it, massage it into your scalp for a few minutes and then let it be for half an hour.
Conditioner acts as a restorer for shine and detangling clumped-up fur. But, conditioner can also help other problems your dog has like itchy skin.
With the help of water and gentle heat, steam helps loosen tight knots and matted hair from root to tip, making it easy to help your comb or fingers pass through with no difficulty.
How does Apple cider vinegar detangle matted hair? Apple Cider Vinegar smooths your strands laying the cuticles down which helps the hair to separate a lot easier than it would if the cuticles were up. I find that grape seed oil neutralizes the smell of the ACV after you are done detangling.