11/15/2025
Matting: What You Don’t See Really Does Hurt
Matting isn’t just “tangled fur.” It’s tight, painful knotting that pulls at the skin every time a dog moves. Even small mats can cause discomfort, hide skin issues, trap moisture, and make everyday movement uncomfortable. What looks like a minor grooming issue can actually be a serious welfare concern.
How Matting Happens
Matting can build up fast. Common causes include:
• Skipping or inconsistent brushing
• Curly or long coats growing out between grooms
• Harnesses, collars, and clothing rubbing the coat
• Seasonal shedding getting stuck and compacting
• Moisture from rain or snow drying in the coat
• Undercoat not being removed properly
Some coat types (poodles, doodles, shih tzus, cockers, bichons, etc.) are simply more prone to matting even with decent care.
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Why Matting Is More Serious Than It Looks
Mats can:
• Pull on the skin and cause pain
• Hide redness, sores, or infections
• Trap debris, moisture, and bacteria
• Restrict movement in severe cases
• Make brushing painful or unsafe
• Cause stress or fear around grooming
Once mats tighten, brushing them out isn’t only unrealistic—it risks injury.
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Humane Grooming Decisions
When matting becomes severe, shaving isn’t a “last resort,” it’s the safest and most humane choice. Removing the coat allows the dog to be comfortable again and prevents hours of painful dematting.
After a reset, you can start fresh with a coat maintenance routine that fits your dog’s coat type and lifestyle.
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What Proper Home Coat Maintenance Actually Looks Like
Preventing matting isn’t about brushing “when you remember.” It’s about using the right tools, the right technique, and staying consistent.
Here’s what realistic, effective coat care looks like at home:
1. Brush BEFORE bathing
Water tightens mats. Always brush and comb through the coat before getting a dog wet.
2. Use the right tools
For most long or curly coats, you need:
• A slicker brush (quality, not dollar-store)
• A metal greyhound comb
• Detangling/slick spray to reduce friction
Brush with the slicker, then follow with the comb. If the comb can’t pass through the coat, it’s not mat-free.
3. Brush in layers
Don’t “surface brush.”
Lift the coat in small sections and brush from the skin outward. This prevents hidden mats from forming underneath the top layer.
4. Check friction zones daily
These areas mat the fastest:
• Behind ears
• Under the collar
• Armpits
• Tail base
• Groin area
• Legs where they bend
A quick daily check can prevent big problems later.
5. Keep up with regular trims
If your lifestyle, schedule, or the dog’s temperament makes brushing difficult, shorter, lower-maintenance styles help prevent matting entirely.
6. Stick to a grooming schedule
Most long- or curly-coated dogs need grooming every 4–8 weeks, depending on coat type and length. Even with great brushing, professional upkeep prevents buildup.
7. Use conditioner or detangling spray
Coats tangle when they’re dry and staticky. A proper spray or leave-in conditioner reduces friction and keeps hair smoother between grooms.
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A Fresh Start Is a Good Start
If the coat needs to be shaved due to matting, it’s not a setback. It’s a reset that lets you create a routine that works for both you and your dog.
