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MATTED COAT CARE
Matted Coat Care, Removal & Prevention
Matting can start with a few small tangles and become uncomfortable surprisingly quickly. Learn what matting is, why it happens, how we determine whether it can be brushed out, and how to prevent it from coming back.
A quick mat check
Comb down all the way to the skin
not just across the top.
Does the brush drag or does the comb stop?
If it does, that's a mat.
Check common trouble spots
behind and under the ears, under the collar or harness, armpits, legs and around the tail.
Matting at a glance
WHAT HAPPENS
Mats pull tight against the skin and can hurt and limit mobility.
WHAT YOU MAY NOT SEE
A coat can look brushed and fluffy on top but still be matted underneath and closer to the skin.
OUR APPROACH
We de-mat only when it can be done safely and comfortably for your dog.
NO SURPRISES
If the grooming plan needs to be changed, we will call you first.
How severe is the matting?
Tangles
Localized Mats
Severe / Pelted Matting
A few small tangles that a wide toothed comb may still move through
Tight spots behind the ears, legs, tail, collar or harness.
Large areas are tightly matted down to the skin.
Some added time detangling.
Usually little to no added costs
Most or all coat length can usually stay
Added time dematting.
A dematting fee may apply
Some areas may need to be spot shaved or clipped shorter.
Added time carefully clipping down the coat.
A matting fee may apply
The safest option is to clip the coat at a short length to get between the mat and the skin.
We will only de-mat to the dog's comfort level, if the dog is in pain and discomfort, clipping out the mats or a shave down may be necessary.
LOOKS LIKE
TIME
FEE
OUTCOME
WHAT MATS DO TO THE SKIN
The hidden damage.
Once hair tightens into a mat, it can pull on the skin when your dog walks, lies down, scratches or is touched.
Constant Pulling
Tight hair can make normal movement uncomfortable and in severe cases, restrict blood flow.
Limited Airflow
Dense matting prevents the coat and skin underneath from drying normally and being able to breathe.
Trapped Moisture
Wet or damp hair, urine and debris may remain against the skin leading to irritation and infection.
Hidden Irritation
Redness, sores or skin irritation can remain hidden beneath the coat. Parasites may also stay concealed.
Clipping a matted coat short is not taking the easy way out. It is often the safest, kindest way to remove the pulling all at once.
Found a mat and wondering what to do?
PLEASE DO NOT CUT MATS WITH SCISSORS!
Dog's skin can be pulled up inside a tight mat, making it very easy to accidentally cut the skin along with the hair.
Small tangles
Small, loose tangles may be worked apart gently with a light conditioning spray, a slicker brush and metal comb if your dog is comfortable.
Tight tangles
The tighter the mat becomes, the more difficult it is to know what is happening underneath it. Skin beneath matting may already be tender or irritated before grooming begins.
Larger tight mats against the skin should be left for your groomer to evaluate ASAP. Pulling repeatedly on a mat can be uncomfortable and may irritate the skin.
Do not bathe first
Avoid bathing a heavily tangled coat before the mats are addressed. Wetting existing tangles and allowing them to dry can make them tighten further.
Pro tip
Use a blow dryer to separate the coat and check visually for tangles or mats.
Why we can't always leave the coat longer
Clipper blades and guard combs need a clear path through the coat, and mats block that path. When matting is tight to the skin, it is necessary to use a blade length that is short enough to safely pass between the mat and your dog’s skin. Trying to force a longer blade or guard comb through matted hair can pull the skin into the mat and increase the risk of irritation, nicks and cuts. The condition of the coat determines the length we can safely leave.
We’re happy to work through light matting when it can be done comfortably. However, we limit dematting when brushing and detangling begins to cause unnecessary discomfort or stress. If a shorter haircut isn't the look you were hoping for, remember that it's temporary. The coat will grow back. With regular brushing, combing and an appropriate grooming schedule, we can work toward the longer style you prefer.
AFTER THE SHAVE
What to expect
A shavedown done for the comfort of your dog can expose some issues that the mats were hiding
The First Few Days
Previously covered skin may look pink or feel sensitive. This can be normal and should improve within a few days. Sometimes a t-shirt or sweater can help.
Skin & Coat Adjustment
Exposed skin may be a little more sensitive to sun, wind and rough surfaces for a short time.
Hair Will Grow Back
Coat may feel softer, finer or a different texture at first. This is temporary and normal.
Keep It Up
Regular brushing and combing helps prevent new mats and keeps your dog's coat healthy as it grows.
Our goal is always your dog's well-being. We never want to put your dog through unnecessary stress or discomfort. When in doubt, we choose what's safest and kindest for them.
If your dog needs a shave down you may wonder what they might look like after. Here are a few examples of dogs with a short shaved haircut, starting over fresh and feeling their best.
What does a shave down look like?
Frequently Asked Questions About Matted Dogs
Does my matted dog need a full shave?
Not necessarily. If the matting is limited to a few smaller areas, those spots may be spot shaved while leaving the rest longer. Widespread matting may require a shorter haircut overall. Your groomer can assess the coat and explain what length is possible.
Can you keep my dog’s face, ears, or tail fluffy?
If those areas are only lightly tangled or free of matting, we may be able to keep them longer. Tight mats in the ears, beard, or tail may require those areas to be clipped shorter too. The coat’s condition determines what we can comfortably preserve.
Why is my dog matted even though I brush regularly?
A brush can seemingly glide over the surface of the coat while leaving tangles hidden closer to the skin. Friction from collars, harnesses, clothing and everyday movement can also contribute. After brushing, check over the entire coat with a metal comb. It should pass through the coat all the way down to the skin without catching or pulling. If the comb gets caught, it means there are still tangles or mats that need to be worked out with the brush. Continue to check your brush work with your comb until the comb glides through the coat freely, and remember to comb all the way down to the skin.
Does removing matting cost extra?
Working with matting can require additional time and careful handling. The cost depends on how much matting is present, how much time is spent removing the tangles or mats, and your dog’s grooming needs. Please mention any matting you have noticed when booking so we can discuss pricing and allow appropriate appointment time.
Do matted ears need extra care?
Head shaking can happen after a necessary ear shave. When the hair on a dog’s ears becomes tightly matted, the mats can pull on the delicate skin, trap moisture and debris, and hide irritation underneath. In some cases, the safest and most comfortable option is to carefully clip the matted hair away rather than trying to brush it out. After those mats are removed, the ears can suddenly feel very different. The thin ear skin may already be tender or irritated, and the ear flap is no longer weighed down by the matted coat. Some dogs respond to that change in sensation by shaking their head or scratching at their ears more than usual. Dog ears have many blood vessels inside them and vigorous or repeated head shaking can damage those small blood vessels inside the ear flap. This may cause an aural hematoma, which is a pocket of blood that forms between the skin and cartilage of the ear. The ear may look bruised, become swollen, thick, warm, or feel like a soft fluid-filled pouch. A hematoma is not caused by the haircut itself. It is usually the result of head shaking or scratching, which may be triggered by existing ear irritation, infection, or the sudden change in how a heavily matted ear feels after the coat is removed. If your dog begins shaking their head frequently after matted ears have been shaved, gently keeping the ears flat against the head may help reduce the repeated flapping that can contribute to an ear hematoma. A soft Happy Hoodie can be used for short periods, or you can make a temporary sleeve ear wrap from clean pantyhose by cutting off the ends and carefully sliding the fabric over the dog’s head so the ears rest naturally against the sides of the head. The wrap should be snug enough to limit ear flapping but never tight enough to restrict breathing, circulation, or movement. Check the ears frequently and remove the wrap if your dog seems uncomfortable or overheated. A little head shaking immediately after grooming can occur, but contact your veterinarian if you notice persistent or violent head shaking, frequent scratching, swelling of the ear flap, bleeding, significant redness, pain, odor, discharge, or an ear that suddenly looks puffy or enlarged. Our priority is your dog’s comfort and safety. When ear matting is too tight to remove comfortably, clipping it short may be necessary even though the skin underneath can be more sensitive afterward. We will let you know when we find significant ear matting so you know what to watch for once your dog goes home.
I’m embarrassed about my dog’s matting. Can I still bring them in?
Yes! We want to help and our focus is your dog’s comfort and helping you move forward. Let us know if brushing has been difficult or your dog struggles with handling. We can discuss a manageable haircut and grooming routine that work for both of you.
AKC S.A.F.E. Grooming Salon
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