Matting occurs when dog fur becomes tangled and knotted around itself. Mats occur frequently in many dog breeds with curly, fine, or double coats. Matted fur does not only look bad, but it is very painful for dogs. If not removed, it can also create an environment for other health issues including discomfort, skin disorder, flea infestation, mites, worms, and other parasites.

The best thing you can do to prevent matting in your dog's coat is regular and thorough combing and brushing. You should also be aware that the number one cause of matting is water; water + long hair = mats! Groomers recommend brushing your dog when their coat is completely dry. So if you bathe your dog, brush before the actual bath, bathe with a high quality shampoo and conditioner, and then brush again after their coat is fully dry.

But what should you do when your dog’s coat is already matted?

Removing mats from dogs is usually not an easy task, but if you have the right tools before you begin, it will definitely make things go much smoother for you and your furry friend. Make sure you take things slowly and always start a dematting session with a calm and relaxed dog.

TOP 5 TOOLS YOU NEED TO GATHER BEFORE DEMATTING YOUR DOG

1. High Quality Dematting tool

Many people fail completely when they try to remove their dog’s mats because they use the wrong brush. They get frustrated, and their dog fears the day they pull out the brush to try to groom them. If you want to de-mat your dog, why not use a brush that is specifically designed to remove mats? 

We love recommending the Freshly Bailey dematting brush because it has proven to be effective at removing mats while creating a positive grooming experience. The brush is terrific for getting into the undercoat and for working through the stubborn tangles. 

Groomer's Tip: Always use short strokes when dematting your dog. Do not pull through the mat as it can be very painful.

2. Long Pin Slicker Brush 

Mats are often found around the ears, below the neck, under the stomach, and along the back legs. A slicker brush is a great tool to locate and untangle the mats. Make sure the bristles don't touch your dog's skin to avoid irritation. You can also use the slicker brush at the end of a de-matting session to slowly and gently brush through any remaining tangles.

The slicker brush is the number one dog brush recommended by vets to prevent matting in dogs. This type of brush is super effective, easy to use, and really comfortable to dogs.

We love the Freshly Bailey Curved Slicker Brush. The long pins and curved design make the brushing experience faster and gentler for your dog. This brush is perfect for maintaining your dog's coat mat-free in between grooming appointments. Make sure to use it at least 3 times per week. 

3. Detangling Spray 

A detangling spray is a great addition to your dog grooming tools. A good spray is created to penetrate strands to release tangles. A spray is specially helpful when you find those stubborn mats, and your dog doesn't seem to cooperate. You can spray on the area, let it sit for a while, and then brush it out. 

We love this Detangling Spray because of its natural ingredients, its effectiveness, and its amazing smell!  It penetrates through mats and helps you brush through each mat. Also, we recommend spraying your dog outside or on a towel because it will make your floors super slippery.

Bear in mind severe mats may need to be cut.

4. Blunt-end Scissors

Grooming scissors are great to have on hand just in case there is a matted area that is too difficult to untangle with the use of your hands, the spray, or the brush. Make sure they are designed with a safety round tip so you can cut through without hurting your dog. 

We like the Freshly Bailey Grooming Scissors because they are sharp, professional grade scissors so you can smoothly cut into any mat. They have the rounded tip so you won't poke your dog’s skin, and they come in a set of 2 pairs - one straight and one curved for hard to reach areas. 

5. Professional Pet Hair Grooming Clippers

When mats get too tough for brushes or combs to handle, the Freshly Bailey Pet Grooming Clippers are the way to go. Even though they were first made for cat matted fur, they work great to remove dog matted hair (you can read the reviews). These clippers are specially designed to remove even the most stubborn tangles without causing your dog discomfort. With a quiet motor to keep your pup calm and sharp, skin-safe blades that glide through mats effortlessly, these clippers are perfect for sensitive areas or severely matted fur. They’re an ideal choice for dogs with long or dense coats that tend to tangle easily.

Bonus: they’re easy to use, cordless, and rechargeable, so you can groom on your own schedule.

HOW TO GET MATS OUT OF DOG HAIR

1. Start your de - matting session with a calm and relaxed dog. Do not randomly begin brushing in the middle of a play session. Wait for your dog to be calm. 

2. Make sure your dog’s fur is completely dry.

3. Brush your dog with a slicker brush to locate the mats. Start with the bottom area of the coat. Do not just brush the top coat.

4. After you’ve located the mats, grab your dematting tool and begin brushing using the 9-rounded-teeth side (specifically designed for dematting purposes). Use short strokes and never pull through a mat. When you reach a mat, hold the fur closest to the skin with your fingers before brushing or pulling at the mat. This helps control the resistance from your brushing and avoids pulling on the dog’s skin. Start at the end of the mat and work your way up. This helps prevent the pain of the brush getting stuck.

5. Use a detangling spray when you reach really stubborn mats to loosen them up.

6. Give your dog a treat and praise them for their patience. 

7. When a mat is too knotted, you may use some blunt-end scissors to cut through the mat. Carefully slide the scissors along the skin into the mat, holding them perpendicular to the skin; the bottom blade should slide along the skin. Cut up, into the mat. Make a clean cut and try not to pull the hair while cutting.

8. If you have a severely matted dog, then try the pet grooming clippers to remove the matted areas. When shaving your dog, be sure to stretch the skin enough so you do not nick your dog. Also, guide the clippers in the direction of your dog's hair growth, gently gliding them over the surface. Avoid pressing down, as this can irritate the skin and lead to clipper rash.

**Remember it may take several sessions to fully remove all the mats in your dog. Be patient, and when you have removed all the mats, create a brushing routine that will prevent the mats from forming in the first place. Use a high quality slicker brush to brush your dog at least 3 times per week.**

[VIDEO] HOW TO BRUSH DOODLE HAIR AND REMOVE MATS UNDER EARS 

TIP: Watch in fullscreen ;)

This mat removal method works on any breed that tends to mat.