How to Get Mats Out of Dog Hair: Safe & Effective Solutions

We’ve all been there. Your dog’s just living their best life, rolling in the grass and snoozing on the couch, when suddenly you spot it. A mat. Maybe two. Maybe a whole mat party! Immediately, you start to wonder how to get mats out of dog hair. 

Letting mats build up isn’t just a bad hair day. According to Giulia D'Ignazio, a professional dog groomer, one of the biggest mistakes pet owners make when trying to remove mats from their dog’s fur is not realizing how close it is to the skin and hurting the dog. Mats can be painful, leading to skin irritation and even infections. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to gently remove mats without turning it into a wrestling match, which tools work best, and how to prevent future mats from taking over your dog’s coat. 

Mats can sneak into your dog’s coat for many different reasons, and some breeds are more prone to them than others. Long-haired or curly-haired pups, for example, are more likely to develop mats due to their hair's tendency to twist and tangle. If you’ve got a fluffy pup, you’re probably already familiar with the struggle!

Giulia points out that all dog breeds can mat if not properly taken care of. Regular brushing should be part of most dogs’ care routine, even if it is only once a week, to remove any tangles. 

Water-loving dogs are particularly at risk. Moisture left on your dog’s coat causes the fur to clump together and potentially form mats. And let’s not forget the friction that can come from collars, harnesses, or even their favorite spot on the couch. All that rubbing can lead to some unexpected matting, especially around the neck and chest.

Before you dive in with your brush, take a moment to assess the situation. Not all mats are created equal, and how you handle them depends on how severe they are.

Start by gently feeling the mat with your fingers. If the mat is loose and only lightly tangled, you can likely remove it at home with a little patience. But if you’re dealing with tight, close-to-skin mats that have been building up for a while, it might be time to consult a professional groomer. These mats can be tricky and sometimes even painful to remove, especially if they’re pulling on your dog’s skin.

Giulia reminds us that if your finger doesn’t fit between the mat and the skin, it must be removed professionally. A good groomer can safely cut and de-mat the hair without causing harm.

To tackle mats safely, you need the right tools for the job. Here’s what you want to have on hand:

• Detangling spray: A good detangling spray can work wonders to loosen stubborn mats and make the hair more manageable. A deodorizing spray can also help, like Earth Rated’s Dog Refresh Mist.

• Wide-tooth comb, slicker brush, and mat-splitting tool: These are your best friends for gently working through tangles without causing pain. The wide-tooth comb helps to ease through the hair without pulling, while the mat-splitting tool targets tighter mats. The slicker brush makes brushing out the loosened mat a breeze.

• Scissors (for severe mats): If the mats are severe and you’re unable to loosen them, you may need to carefully trim them out. Always use blunt-ended scissors to avoid accidentally cutting your dog’s skin.

• Grooming wipes for post-detangling care: After you’ve finished, grooming wipes can help clean up any loose hair and keep your dog’s coat feeling fresh.

Now that you have all your tools ready, it’s time to get started on detangling those mats. These steps should help the process go as smoothly as possible:

1. Apply detangling spray: Start by applying your detangling spray or deodorizing mist to the matted areas. Work it into the mat as best you can to make it easier to comb through. 

2. Use your fingers to start separating the hair: Before you start using the brushes, use your fingers to gently separate the mat. This will let you be gentler and make some progress before breaking out the tougher tools. 

3. Work from the edges toward the center: The outside edges will typically be less tangled than the center and easier to remove. You want to gradually loosen the tangle with the wide-tooth comb and gently brush it out with the slicker brush without pulling on the hair too much. 

4. Use a mat-splitting tool for stubborn knots: If you encounter a particularly tough knot, a mat-splitting tool can help. This specialized tool is designed to break up mats without hurting your dog.

Remember: Always be gentle. Yanking and pulling at the mat can hurt your dog and cause stress. Mats can take a long time to untangle, but patience (and lots of treats) go a long way. For mats that are giving you a particularly hard time, you may need to contact a professional. 

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, there comes a point when the mats are just too stubborn to be saved. When this happens, your best bet may be to carefully cut the mat out. That said, cutting mats should only be reserved for situations where detangling isn’t possible, such as when the mat is too tight or close to the skin to work safely with a brush or comb.

Here’s when cutting may be a smart decision:

• The mat is tightly pulled against your dog’s skin, causing discomfort or potential skin irritation.

• The mat is so severe that brushing or combing would cause unnecessary pain to your pup.

• The mat is large or deep, making it impossible to detangle with standard grooming tools.

If you do need to trim a mat, follow these safety tips to help everything go smoothly:

• Use blunt-ended scissors: These are the safest scissors when cutting mats. Sharp scissors can accidentally poke or nick your dog’s skin. 

• Trim slowly and carefully: Work in small sections to ensure you’re only cutting the mat. Always cut parallel to your dog’s skin to minimize the risk of injury.

• Be extra cautious near sensitive areas: Areas like the ears, belly, and underarms are particularly vulnerable. 

• Consider consulting a pro: For particularly complicated mat removal, it’s always a good idea to visit a professional groomer. 

The best way to prevent dog fur tangles is to make brushing a regular part of your dog’s routine. How often you need to brush your dog depends on their coat type. Breeds with long-haired and double coats often need more brushing than short-haired breeds. Some particularly fluffy dogs may need brushing every day!

The best brush for matted dog hair is a slicker brush or wide-toothed comb. These tools are designed to gently detangle without pulling too hard on the hair, making them perfect for dematting dog hair and preventing mats before they start.

Bathing your dog is important for keeping them clean, but did you know that skipping the brushing step before can make matting worse? When your dog’s coat is wet, tangles and mats are more likely to get worse. It’s always best to brush your dog before the bath to remove any loose hair and tangles.

Using the right products can make a huge difference in keeping matted hair at bay. Earth Rated’s grooming collection is perfect for coat maintenance. Their dog-safe shampoos and conditioners help keep your dog’s coat soft and tangle-free, while their dog wipes are great for a quick clean-up between baths.

While regular, at-home grooming can help keep your pup’s coat in great shape, sometimes, you just need a paw-fessional hand. Here are some signs it may be time to contact a pro:

• Severely matted fur

• Sensitive skin or pain when brushing

• Difficulty with your dog’s behavior during grooming

If you just don’t feel comfortable brushing out dog mats, it could be time to call in a professional groomer. Working outside of your comfort zone can be stressful for both you and your pup. 

Matted dog fur doesn’t have to be a hairy situation! The key is to address mats early, use the right tools and techniques, and stay on top of grooming to keep your pup’s coat in tip-top shape. Remember, prevention is always better than a cure, so a regular brushing routine goes a long way in keeping those tangles at bay.

Establish a grooming routine that works for your dog’s coat type, and you’ll keep them comfortable and mat-free. And when it’s time for maintenance or a little extra help, Earth Rated’s grooming collection has everything you need to keep your pup’s coat soft, fresh, and tangle-free.