How to Get Mats Out of Dog Hair Effectively

As a dog owner, you probably know the feeling of running your hands through your dog’s normally luscious fur only to be stopped by something strange—a scratchy patch of knotted hair that won’t come out with gentle finger-combing. These are called mats.

Mats in a dog's fur are tangled clumps of hair that can range from minor annoyances to painful issues if ignored. They're common in breeds with long, curly, or woolly coats like Poodles, Doodles, Cocker Spaniels, Bichons, or Shih Tzus, but can affect any dog. 

In this article, we'll break down causes, removal methods, prevention tips, and why it's important, based on standard veterinary and grooming advice.

Fur mats come in all shapes and sizes. They can be as small as a coin or large enough to encompass the dog’s coat (in extreme cases). In fact, mats are often a part of life for dog owners. But how do these seemingly insurmountable tangles happen in the first place?

Of course, to have matted hair, your dog needs to have a coat to begin with. That’s why mats are more common in dogs with long, woolly, or curly fur—particularly the Poodle, Doodle, Curly coat, Cocker Spaniel, Bishon, or ShihTzu. But even short-haired pups can experience mats.

This is because, aside from coat length, other factors impact the development of mats, including:

• Friction – Anything that’s in constant contact with your dog can cause friction, which can, in turn, cause mats. This is because anything in constant contact with your dog can rub their fur until it’s tangled into a mat. The most common examples of this are wearable items like collars, harnesses, dog clothes, and even dog shoes. To keep your dog mat-free (but still looking cute in their holiday sweater), make sure these types of wearable accessories fit comfortably and don’t move around too much. It’s also helpful to remove and wash these items frequently to prevent matting and keep your pet feeling fresh.
• Scratching – If you see matting primarily around the ears, sides, or wherever else your dog may scratch and lick excessively, the cause may be common itch-inducing culprits: fleas and allergens. Take your dog to the vet if you suspect allergies, and make sure your dog is getting the flea treatment they need to prevent pesky flea infestations.
• Shedding – Ever seen a Newfoundland or Malamute shed in the spring? It’s like they’re being followed around by little white clouds or trailing soap suds behind them. A few times a year, certain dogs shed their undercoat to prepare their fur for the coming warmer months. In these instances, shed fur can mix in with attached fur to form a tangled, matted mess. If you’ve been wondering how to stop a dog from shedding, it’s usually normal. Instead of trying to prevent shedding, simply brush your dog frequently to prevent shed fur from tangling with their attached fur.
• Water – You may already be familiar with mats if your dog loves running outside in the rain, swimming, or rubbing their belly in the wet grass. Why? Water can actually create tangles in the fur. Combined with dirt, dust, or mud, the water can cement your pup’s hair into a seemingly impenetrable mat. So after a day at the lake, a dip in the pool, or even bathtime, be sure to properly dry and brush out your dog’s hair. Otherwise, you may end up with tight, tangled mats. 

Even the best cared for coats can get matted and tangled from time to time. So what’s the best way to detangle fur and get rid of stubborn mats?

A few preparatory steps can make it so much easier to get mats out of your dog’s hair. To simplify the process, do the following before even breaking out the combs:

1. Bathe your dog with a high-quality shampoo. Even if their fur is matted, a quick shampoo can remove at least some of the dirt caked into your pup’s coat.
2. Let your pup out for a potty break immediately after their bath. Often, mat removal can take a while, and you want them to be as comfortable as possible throughout the entire process.
3. Dry your pup’s hair (especially the mat) completely with a towel, and then with a blow dryer on a low heat setting. Because mats naturally trap moisture, it is helpful to dry them completely before working on them. Starting the detangling and removal process with dried fur makes the process significantly easier. A teaspoon of cornstarch is also a puppy-safe drying agent you can use before you start dematting.

After completing your prep steps, grab a comb that works best for your dog’s coat type. If you’re not sure what kind of comb works best, consult with your vet. 

GROOMING TOOL COMPARISON TABLE:

STEP-BY-STEP REMOVAL

1. Secure the Mat: Hold the mat base close to the skin with your fingers to act as a buffer—prevents pulling on skin.
2. Isolate It: Gently pull the mat away from the body to reduce tension.
3. Work from the Edges: Start at the outer edge (farthest from skin) and tease apart with fingers or a mat splitter. Use short, gentle strokes; avoid yanking.
4. Brush Small Sections: Once loosened, use a slicker brush downward. Take breaks, offer treats, and monitor for stress.
5. Finish Up: Reintegrate hair with a pin brush, then comb through with a steel comb (wide teeth first, then fine).

WHAT NOT TO DO DURING MAT REMOVAL

When removing mats from your dog’s fur, there are a few maneuvers you want to be sure to avoid. These include:

• Do not cut the mat out with scissors or a grooming tool. Not only can this cause a non-uniform coat, but it’s extremely easy to accidentally cut your dog’s tender skin—especially if they suddenly jump out of nervousness or excitement.
• Don’t take risks when there’s matting around your dog’s ears. Ear skin is thin, delicate, and full of blood vessels. Instead of trying to brush mats out on the ears, opt for shaving them from the get-go.
• Do not attempt to remove the mats yourself if your dog has “pelting.” Pelting occurs when your dog’s undercoat is completely matted together, and you cannot reach the skin when brushing. This case requires a vet or groomer to carefully shave off the fur with clippers.

Detangling mats requires patience, but sometimes, completely detangling a mat isn’t feasible. If your efforts appear to be fruitless, if your dog simply can’t withstand the process, or if there’s too much matting, brushing out the mats isn’t going to be your best option.

Instead, you may need to shave part, or all, of your pup’s fur. But shaving your dog isn’t the easy way out (which is why it should be left as a last resort). In fact, shaving some or all of your dog’s hair is another process that requires patience, a gentle touch, and the proper tools, especially because the skin below the fur is so sensitive and delicate.

The best dog clippers for matted hair should be heavy-duty clippers that can handle the mats quickly and easily without overheating. Low to medium-speed clippers are preferred for such a thorough job. However, depending on the number of mats in your dog’s hair, your best bet may be to visit your local groomer and let the professionals take the wheel.

The best way to handle mats is to avoid them altogether. Wondering how to care for your dog's hair to prevent mats from developing in the first place? Essentially, mats can be prevented with a combo of lifestyle and dietary choices.

BRUSHING AND GROOMING

While you should remain alert to the common causes of matted fur (friction from collars and other accessories, shedding complications, and water saturation), frequent grooming is essential to preventing future mats in your pup’s fur. And grooming your dog isn’t just beneficial in preventing mats. It also cuts down on shedding, massages the skin, brings healthy oils to the surface, and makes your pup’s coat glossy, shiny, and tangle-free.

You can brush your dog once or several times a day, depending on their preference. This part of their grooming routine should be like a mini-massage—relaxing, calming, and soothing. Plus, it can serve as a special bonding experience between you and your furry friend.

To effectively prevent mats and make the most out of your brush time, make sure you’re using the best type of brush for your dog’s coat:

• Long-haired and curly dogs need something that dives through their fur and gently divides. We recommend using slicker brushes or pin brushes for this type of coat.
• Medium to short-haired dogs can benefit from curry combs and soft bristle brushes.

When brushing, gently move the brush from nose to tail, making sure to include the legs, ears, and everything in between. You can also use a detangler spray to make brushing go smoother (especially if your dog is active and has easily tangled fur), as well as undercoat rakes to get at that excessive springtime shedding before it happens.

Proper dog coat maintenance doesn’t stop at brushing. Haircuts are also an important aspect of your dog’s grooming. To reduce the likelihood of mats, it’s best to trim your dog’s hair every 4 to 6 weeks. This will help keep the length manageable and the mats to a minimum.

BATHING

Frequent bathing is essential to mat prevention. While you should avoid bathing your dog if they already have mats (since water can worsen the mats), regular bathing washes away any excess hair that brushing didn’t catch.

DIET

If you’ve been wondering, why is my dog losing hair, even with mats, look into their diet! To keep your dog’s hair follicles strong, you need to make sure you’re feeding them a diet full of essential nutrients. For hair follicle health, opt for meals that are high in:

• Protein
• Fats
• Omega-3s

In addition, providing your dog with daily supplements can ensure they’re actually getting and absorbing all the nutrients their body needs. Supplements made with natural ingredients and packed with the vitamins and minerals your dog needs for a healthy coat can keep your dog looking and feeling their best.

Need a supplement suggestion? Vetericyn ALL-IN comes in three formulas, perfect for your dog at every stage of their life. Plus, it’s packed with prebiotics and antioxidants to promote gut and immune system health. And as a bonus: if you’ve been wondering how to make a dog’s coat shiny, look no further. You can trust ALL-IN to deliver a glossy, healthy coat and a happy, healthy dog.

Whatever the underlying cause, tangled fur should be taken care of as soon as possible. If left alone, the mats will only get bigger and harder to remove with time. While small mats are nuisances, large mats can be extremely painful to your dog.

The knotted hair pulls together, blocking oxygen and trapping moisture. When not untangled, matting can result in irritation and skin sores. More extreme cases of matted fur can even:

• Lead to hematomas
• Cut off circulation
• Mask more severe conditions, like parasites

Every dog that loves to swim, roll in the wet grass, or show off their gorgeous fur (so essentially, any dog) will likely experience mats at some point in their life. So there’s no shame if you feel that unruly little lump in your puppy’s fur. It’s just another part of dog life that needs taking care of.

Sources: 

1. ASPCA. A Haircut Could Save a Life: Preventing Your Pet’s Coat from Matting. https://www.aspca.org/news/haircut-could-save-life-preventing-your-pets-coat-matting
2. VCA Animal Hospitals. Grooming and Coat Care for Your Dog.  https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/grooming-and-coat-care-for-your-dog
3. Wag! How to Prevent Your Dog’s Hair From Matting.  https://wagwalking.com/wellness/how-to-prevent-your-dogs-hair-from-matting
4. Andrea Arden. How to Remove Mats From Your Dog’s Coat.  https://andreaarden.com/dog-health/how-to-remove-mats-from-your-dogs-coat/
5. WoofGang Bakery & Grooming. What Your Groomer Wants You to Know About Matting.  https://woofgangflemingisland.com/blog/what-your-groomer-wants-you-to-know-about-matting/
6. The Spruce Pets. Dealing With a Shedding Dog.  https://www.thesprucepets.com/reduce-dog-shedding-1118286#:~:text=This%20process%20is%20sometimes%20called,thicker%2C%20warmer%20coats%20for%20winter.
7. Breeding Business. 7 Best Clippers for Matted Dogs.  https://breedingbusiness.com/best-clippers-for-matted-dogs/