Matted Dog Hair Problems? Here’s The Fix

Quick Summary

• Matted dog hair is best removed using a good hair clipper, detangler brushes, as well as detangling sprays.
• Matted fur can get painful, so pet parents should be on top of it. Severe matting can cause health problems, including poor blood flow and infections.
• If you are still unsure how to get rid of your dog’s matted fur, it’s best to seek the help of a professional groomer to avoid further causing pain on your dog.

I have dogs with curly and long hair, so dealing with matted dog hair is normal for me. I always make sure to use a quality hair clipper, detangler brush, and detangling spray or oil. Clumps of fur in a dog’s coat not only look messy but can cause health problems and be very uncomfortable. This is why I always tell pet parents how important regular grooming is.

If you have a pup with a long or curly coat, you’ve probably tried different methods of removing the fur clumps without hurting your furry friend. Here’s what you need to know about removing matted dog hair.

What Is The Cause Of Matted Dog Hair?

Matting is tangled or dense clumps of fur in a pet’s coat. Long-haired dogs and cats have more problems with matted fur than short-haired breeds, especially during a shedding season when they lose more of their coat. Matted fur can also be the result of your pet scratching excessively or from getting wet in the snow or rain. Matting usually starts as a small clump of fur that gets tangled. When the mat isn’t removed, it can become more significant and more challenging to take out. 

Sometimes when the mat gets too large, it can be painful for your pet when you have to pull on the fur. Pet owners should know how to remove clumps of matted dog fur from their pet, so it doesn’t cause any pain. You should consult a professional if you can’t remove mats yourself. When the matted fur is severe enough, it can cause health problems, including poor blood flow and ventilation. If the area gets pink or red, you should consult your veterinarian immediately. Your pet could need treatment for an infection. 

Where Do Clumps Of Matted Hair Form?

Matted hair can form anywhere on a dog or cat’s body, especially in these areas:

• Abdomen
• Backs of the ears
• Backside
• Under the front and rear legs

Keeping your pet’s coat healthy knowing how to brush different coats can help prevent matting in the fur. Regular shampoos and brushing can remove excess hair that could form clumps.

Best Tools For Dematting Dog Hair

1. Dog Clippers For Matted Hair

It’s not necessary to use heavy-duty clippers to clip clumps of matted hair from your dog’s coat. It is a good idea to use clippers or scissors with rounded edges to prevent poking if your pup has a fidgety streak. Thinning shears are another option if you need to thin the coat without totally snipping the hair off. 

2. Dog Detangler Brushes

Regular dog brushes are effective for grooming and getting rid of excess fur when your pet sheds. However, A dematting fur rake or undercoat rake often used for breeds like Poodles works well for matted fur. The serrated blades break up the coat while you’re brushing your pet. You should always be gentle when using one of these tools. It’s a good idea to have both types of brushes.

3. Dog Detangler Sprays

A dog detangler spray that conditions your pup’s coat is another effective option. Many of the detangling sprays are tear-free and non-GMO. Some products have a lavender scent that has a calming effect on your pup. 

4. Dog Shampoos

Shampoos for dogs (not human shampoo) that clean and moisturize are excellent. Plant-based shampoos with palm and coconut oil, aloe, and oatmeal work well to clean and soften your pet’s coat. Oils in the shampoo detangle and condition the dog’s coat. 

How To Get Mats Out Of Your Dog’s Coat

When you have all the products you need, your pup will love the pampering. Getting rid of the matted hair in the coat makes dogs feel a lot better. Removing the tangles from a dog’s coat is a process that’s delicate and requires the owner and pup to be patient. Here are some helpful suggestions for removing mats from your dog’s coat. 

You and your dog should be in a comfortable position in which you can maintain control without your pup feeling scared or trapped. You should know how to sedate a dog for grooming if necessary. Place small dogs on a stable piece of furniture like a sturdy table, so they’re at eye level with you. If you have a large dog or one that’s on the skittish side, you may want to sit on the floor or get your dog on the sofa.

The next step is to massage the knots in your dog’s coat to remove some of the tangles and make them easier to work with.

With a soft dog grooming brush, gently brush the matted hair in alternating directions. Place your fingers under the clump of hair, and don’t pull when brushing the hair. 

When the hair pulls apart, use the dematting comb. At the top of the clump of hair, gently comb toward the base near the dog’s skin. Keep your fingers underneath the cluster to prevent pulling.

Spray the area with the conditioning detangler on your pup’s fur until it’s damp. Although this step is optional, it makes getting the brush through your dog’s coat is much easier.

Use your stainless steel detangling comb to finish brushing through the hair that’s detangled. 

When you finish detangling, your pup will be happy to get some well-deserved praise and a favorite treat.

How To Trim Dog Hair Mats

If your pup’s coat is severely matted, it’s a good idea to shave the fur. Not all dog owners are comfortable with this process, so a trip to the groomer may be in order. If you want to groom your dog at home, the first rule is to proceed carefully, so you don’t accidentally cut your pup. Here are a few details on how to safely groom your dog at home.

1. Always use dog grooming scissors and not house scissors. You don’t want to cut your dog accidentally.
2. If your dog has a shaggy or long coat, you may want to try what groomers call a summer cut. A heavier-duty clipper or shaver will get the best results. 
3. Additional tools you’ll need are a dog groomer brush and a fine comb that’s suitable for your pup’s coat. 
4. While you’re grooming your dog, you may want to trim your dog’s nails. It’s best to do it all at once if you can. Remember to use the best dog nail grinder that is quiet and safe for any type of pup.
5. If you plan to groom your dog at home most of the time, it’s a good idea to buy a grooming arm. This tool will clamp to your counter or table and has a harness to keep your pup still while being groomed. Dog leashes are also useful when grooming.

Home Grooming Tips

1. If you’re going to groom your pup at home, you want to make sure the coat is clean. You should bathe your dog the night before you plan to do the grooming. The most important thing to remember is to trim your dog’s coat to keep his temperature regulated and ensure a clean, shiny coat.
2. If the weather is warm you may want to groom your dog outside. if you must be indoors grooming your pup in a room that’s easy to clean is preferable. You may want to place a towel on the floor so you and your dog will be comfortable, and it will be easier to clean up when you’re through. 
3. When you’re trimming your dog’s coat, make sure the hair on the tail is hanging evenly before trimming. On your dog’s head, use grooming scissors to cut the hair to an even length or use clippers for an even appearance. You should always use rounded scissors when you’re trimming around your dog’s snout and eyes. Make sure not to cut eyelashes or whiskers. Trim the hair around the dog’s ears to its shape on short-haired pups. For dogs with long coats, trim the fur so it’s even on each side. 

Related article: How To Clean Dog Ears

Matted Dog Hair And Home Remedies

When you have a long-haired pup you will always want to remove matted dog hair at home, so check all over his body. A dog’s coat often gets tangled around these areas;

• Belly
• Ears
• Paws
• Tail

If you have a good detangling spray with conditioner, you can spray that on the clumps of hair you may not have to cut off. Another option is to use baking soda on the clumps of hair to loosen them. 

A few more helpful tips:

1. Brush your dog regularly. Pups with short coats should be brushed once each week to cut down on shedding.
2. Long-coated dogs may need daily brushing to reduce the coat getting matted.
3. You should check your dog’s coat for fleas and ticks when you’re brushing the fur.
4. Regular bathing cuts down on matted fur and keeps your dog’s coat clean.
5. When you’re trimming your dog’s hair make sure the coat is dry which makes it easier to cut.

Keeping your dog calm is essential when you’re getting rid of matted hair or grooming. To keep your pup relaxed and calm you might try using CBD oil, especially for pets [1]. CBD doesn’t have any side effects and is safe for dogs and cats. CBD oil can reduce anxiety, helps dogs to stay calm, and has health benefits:

• Works as an anti-inflammatory
• Stimulates the appetite
• Helps cardiac health
• Has anti-nausea properties

FAQs

How do you fix matted dog hair?

The first step is to use the proper tools for detangling the hair. You should use high-quality clippers, detangling brushes and combs, and detangling sprays that contain a conditioner to soften the coat. Massage the knots in the dog’s fur to loosen them. Use a soft brush to gently brush the hair and loosen it. Follow up by gently running a dematting comb and a detangling conditioner to soften the coat. 

Should I cut my dog’s matted hair?

An important point to remember, you should never attempt to cut your dog’s matted hair. The clumps of fur that are stuck together could be tighter than you think. If you try to cut clumps of hair close to the base, you could accidentally cut your pup and cause an injury. Matted hair begins at the base near the dog’s skin line and not near the top. A good suggestion is to check your dog’s coat frequently for mats, especially if you’ve been outdoors a lot. Finding snarls and tangles in the fur before they develop into a large clump makes them easier to remove.

Matted hair problems are easier to handle if you can get your dog to relax and enjoy being groomed. It’s a good idea to check the areas that get matted at least once a week. Detangling spray or cream before a swim can reduce clumps from forming. Feeding your dog a nutritious diet can help to keep the coat shiny and healthy. Foods that contain Omega-3 are excellent. Omega-3 supplements are another excellent way to keep your dog’s coat healthy and free of matted hair.