Mats are every long-haired dog owner's nemesis: tangled clumps of fur that tighten over time, pull on the skin, and trap moisture underneath. Left alone, they can cause pain, skin irritation, and even infection. The good news is that most matting is preventable — and early mats can be removed safely at home if you know how.
What Causes Mats
- Skipped brushing: the number one cause. Loose undercoat tangles into the surrounding fur within days on long-coated breeds.
- Friction zones: behind the ears, under collars and harnesses, armpits, and where legs meet the body.
- Moisture: baths, rain, and swimming without thorough brushing afterward felt the coat into mats.
- Seasonal shedding: spring coat blows release huge amounts of undercoat that mats if not brushed out promptly.
Prevention: The Only Real Cure
Regular brushing is everything. For mat-prone breeds, brush every 2–3 days minimum, working in sections from skin to tip with a deshedding tool like the Furbliss One-Click Deshedding Brush ($34.99). Always brush before baths and after swimming. Keep the friction zones trimmed shorter if your groomer agrees, and consider removing the collar indoors to reduce rubbing behind the ears and neck.
Removing Small Mats Safely
Caught early, a mat the size of a coin can be worked out at home:
- Hold the base. Grip the fur between the mat and the skin so you're not pulling on tender skin.
- Work from the outside in. Use your fingers or a comb to tease apart the outer edges first, gradually working toward the centre.
- Try a detangling approach. A little dog-safe detangler or conditioner on the mat can help fibres slide apart.
- Use a fine comb to finish. The Furbliss Double-Sided Flea Comb ($14.99) is perfect for teasing out the last tangles once the mat is mostly separated.
- Reward patience. Mat removal is uncomfortable — go slowly, take breaks, and treat generously.
What Never to Do
- Don't cut mats out with scissors. Dog skin pulls up into mats, and it's frighteningly easy to cut skin you can't see. This is the most common serious at-home grooming injury.
- Don't bathe a matted dog first. Water tightens mats and makes them dramatically harder to remove.
- Don't pull or yank. If a mat won't tease apart with gentle work, it needs professional help.
When to Call a Professional (or Your Vet)
Seek professional help for large mats, mats tight against the skin, matting across big areas of the body, or any mat over irritated, red, or broken skin. A groomer can safely shave out severe matting, and your vet should see anything involving wounds, odour, or discharge. Note: This article provides general information only. Consult your veterinarian for specific health concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will cutting out a mat hurt my dog?
Cutting mats with scissors risks cutting the skin hidden inside the mat — it's one of the most common serious at-home grooming injuries. Tease small mats apart by hand, and leave anything stubborn to a professional with proper clippers.
Why does my dog keep getting mats in the same spot?
Repeated matting in one area usually points to a friction source — a collar, harness, or the way they sleep curled up. Try removing the collar indoors, brushing that zone more often, or asking your groomer about keeping it trimmed shorter.
Can diet affect matting?
A healthy coat resists tangling better than a dry, brittle one. While brushing is the main defence, good overall nutrition supports coat condition. If your dog's coat suddenly worsens, mention it to your veterinarian.
Key Takeaways
- Brush mat-prone breeds every 2–3 days, always before baths and after swimming.
- Small mats can be teased apart by hand — hold the base, work outside-in.
- Never cut mats with scissors; skin hides inside them.
- Large, tight, or widespread matting needs a professional groomer.
- See your vet if the skin under a mat is red, broken, or smelly.
Shop Furbliss grooming essentials at furbliss.ca.