The Risks of Matted Fur & How to Keep Your Dog’s Coat Tangle-Free
Keeping your dog’s coat tangle-free is more than just a grooming routine—it’s essential for their comfort and health. Many pet owners don’t realize how quickly mats can form, especially in small, long-haired breeds with soft coats like Shih Tzus, Poodles, Doodles, and Maltese. As the owner of I Shih Tzu Knot, an in-home grooming service specializing in small dogs, I have seen firsthand how painful and damaging matting can be, and I’m here to help you keep it under control.
Here’s everything you need to know about preventing and treating matted fur in dogs.
What Causes Matting in Dogs?
Mats are tight knots of tangled fur that develop when loose hair is not brushed out. They are most common in dogs with long, curly, or double coats and tend to form in areas where friction occurs, such as:
Behind the ears
Under the collar or harness
Between the legs and paws
Around the chest and belly
Matting can happen for several reasons, including infrequent brushing, shedding, humidity, and water exposure. Once mats form, they continue to tighten over time, making them difficult and painful to remove.
Why Is Matting a Serious Problem?
Many dog owners don’t realize the risks associated with severe matting. It’s not just a cosmetic issue—matted fur can cause serious health problems, including:
Pain and discomfort – Mats pull on the skin, making it painful for dogs to move and lie down comfortably.
Skin infections and hot spots – Moisture and dirt trapped under mats create the perfect environment for bacterial and fungal infections.
Restricted airflow to the skin – Dogs rely on proper coat airflow to regulate body temperature. Severe matting can lead to overheating, especially in Texas heat.
Shave downs – When mats become too tight, brushing them out is not an option, and shaving the coat may be the only solution. Brushing out mats, no matter how careful you are in the process, leads to some degree of coat breakage. Broken coats can cause the hair to become matted faster than before, therefore requiring more frequent grooming appointments or care at home.
Hematomas –In the most severe cases, matting can become so tight that it cuts off circulation to the skin and limbs. When these mats are removed, blood flow rushes back to the affected areas—especially the tips of the ears or tail—sometimes causing redness, bruising or swelling due to pooled blood, known as a hematoma. Hematomas can potentially rupture, and might require veterinary care. Removing this severe matting as soon as possible is crucial to minimizing this risk. I have a high success rate in safely removing mats while avoiding hematomas, but early intervention is always the best approach.
Increased Grooming Costs – Removing mats, whether by careful brushing or shaving, requires extra time, skill, and specialized tools to avoid pain or injury. Severe matting can significantly extend grooming sessions, leading to higher charges. Regular brushing and routine grooming help prevent matting, keeping your dog comfortable while reducing grooming costs.
How to Prevent Matting in Your Dog’s Coat
Preventing matting starts with proper at-home care and regular professional grooming. Here are the best ways to keep your dog’s coat in top shape:
Brush regularly – Most small, long-haired dogs need brushing at least three to four times a week. Breeds with dense or curly coats may require daily brushing.
Use the right tools – A slicker brush removes loose fur and a metal comb helps prevent small knots from turning into mats.
Focus on trouble spots – Pay close attention to areas prone to friction, such as behind the ears, under the arms, and around the tail.
Be gentle – If you find a small mat, hold the fur near the skin and gently work it out with a comb to avoid pulling on the skin.
Schedule regular grooming – Professional grooming is needed every four to six weeks keeps coats clean and mat-free. The longer the coat, the more frequent care it needs. I’ll get you set up with a haircut and routine that suits you and your pets lifestyle!
If you have any questions or need tool recommendations, I’m always happy to offer tips and can teach you how to use them properly!
What to Do If Your Dog Already Has Mats
If your dog has mild matting, try using a detangling spray and gently combing out the knots. However, if the mats are tight and close to the skin, DO NOT attempt to cut them out with scissors, as this can result in accidental injury. Instead, seek professional grooming assistance. Let me help you!
In-Home Dog Grooming for Matted Fur in the Clear Lake Area
As a housecall groomer, I provide gentle, stress-free de-matting, shave downs and coat maintenance for small dogs in the Clear Lake area. Whether your pup needs a routine trim or help with severe matting, I offer expert care in the comfort of your home.
Book a grooming appointment today to keep your dog’s coat healthy, soft, and free of painful mats.
