20/10/2025
🐶 How to Prevent Matting in Dogs 🐕
A friendly guide for keeping your pup comfy, healthy, and tangle-free!
Matting can sneak up fast — especially in breeds with curly, long, or double coats (think Poodles, Doodles, Shih Tzus, Golden Retrievers, and more). And once mats take hold, brushing them out isn’t just tough — it can be painful for your pup.
That’s why prevention is key! Regular care keeps their coat healthy and avoids the need for uncomfortable dematting — or a full shave-down to start fresh.
Sometimes, shaving is the kindest option, but with a few simple habits, you can often avoid that route altogether.
💡 Top Tips to Prevent Matting:
🧼 1. Brush Often — Even Between Grooms
Regular brushing is your #1 defense. For most long or curly-coated breeds, brushing every day or at least a few times a week is ideal. Make sure you’re brushing down to the skin, not just the surface!
Use the right tools: A slicker brush and metal comb combo works great.
Pay extra attention to mat-prone areas like behind the ears, under the collar, armpits, tail, and legs.
🚿 2. Dry Thoroughly After Baths
Never let your dog air-dry with tangles in their coat! Wet hair mats more easily, so always brush thoroughly before and after a bath, and dry completely with a blow dryer (on low heat) while brushing.
✂️ 3. Schedule Regular Grooming Appointments
Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks (depending on breed and coat type) can make all the difference. Groomers can spot trouble areas early and keep the coat in great condition.
🧣 4. Be Collar-Conscious
Tight collars, harnesses, or clothing can rub and cause mats to form. Check often and remove accessories when not needed, especially indoors.
🛏️ 5. Keep It Practical
If brushing isn’t realistic for your lifestyle (we get it — life gets busy!), talk to your groomer about keeping your dog in a shorter, more manageable style. It’s low-maintenance and often more comfortable for your pup.
🐕 Remember:
Mats aren’t just a grooming issue — they can hide skin problems and cause pain, itching, and even infections. By staying on top of coat care, you’re doing more than keeping them cute — you’re keeping them healthy and happy, too.
And if mats do get out of hand? Don’t stress. Sometimes, starting fresh with a shave-down is the kindest option — and your dog will feel SO much better.
Let’s keep those tails wagging and coats mat-free! 🐾
We are always happy to help x
