Let’s talk about something all pup parents dread… mats. You know, those tight, tangled clumps of fur that seem to show up out of nowhere and refuse to budge. Whether you’re petting your dog and feel a sudden knot under the fluff, or you’re at the groomer hearing “We had to shave down again,” we’ve all been there.
If you’re wondering how to keep your dog’s hair from matting, you’re not alone—and the good news is, there are ways to tackle it (and even prevent it altogether).
Why Dogs Shed (and Why It’s Totally Normal)
Great question! Mats happen when loose hairs twist together instead of falling out. Add in a bit of moisture, some dirt, and friction (like from a collar or harness), and boom—you’ve got a matted mess.
Matting is especially common if:
● Your dog hasn’t been brushed regularly
● Their coat stays damp after a bath or swim
● They’ve been rolling around outside having the time of their life (and who can blame them?)
Matted Fur Isn’t Just a Bad Hair Day
Sure, mats don’t look great, but they’re more than just a cosmetic issue. They can cause real discomfort—and even health problems—for your pup.
Here’s why mats are a big deal:
- Skin irritation & infections – Mats pull on your dog’s skin, which can lead to redness, sores, and eventually infections.
- They hide things you need to see – Fleas, ticks, cuts, and rashes can all hide under mats, making them hard to spot.
- They make moving harder – Mats around the joints or armpits can tug every time your dog moves, which isn’t just uncomfortable—it can really hurt.
- They trap dirt and… uh, other things – Especially around the rear end, matted fur can hold onto stuff that you don’t want hanging around.
- They mess with your dog’s ability to stay cool – In summer, mats trap heat close to the body. That’s a big deal for dogs, who can overheat more easily than we do.
- They cause emotional stress – Being in pain or constantly uncomfortable can make your dog anxious, grumpy, or withdrawn. No one wants that.
So yeah—keeping mats away is a big deal for your dog’s health and happiness.
Some Breeds Are More Prone to Matting
While any dog can get matted fur, some breeds are more at risk thanks to their hair texture. If your pup has long, curly, wavy, or silky hair, you’ll want to be extra vigilant.
These breeds are frequent flyers in the matting department:
- Yorkies
- Shih Tzus
- Poodles & doodle mixes
- Cocker Spaniels
- Bichon Frises
Got a mixed breed with similar hair? Same rules apply!
How to Keep the Mats Away
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff—how you can prevent mats before they take over your dog’s coat.
1. Brushing is important
Regular brushing is your number one defense against mats. Not only does it get rid of loose hairs, but it also spreads natural oils that keep the coat healthy and shiny.
💡 Tip: Use the right tools—like a slicker brush, rake, or dematting comb—and brush in the direction of hair growth. And always be gentle!
2. Bathe, But DO NOT Skip the Dry
Baths are great for keeping your dog clean, but don’t leave their fur damp afterward. That’s prime matting territory. Use a dog-friendly moisturizing shampoo and be sure to dry thoroughly, especially in tricky areas like behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar area.
3. Detangling Spray Is Your Friend
A spritz of dog-safe detangling spray can make brushing way easier and way less stressful—for both of you. It helps prevent future tangles and keeps the coat smooth.
4. Visit Your Groomer Regularly
We get it—not every pup loves the grooming table. But routine grooming is one of the best ways to stay ahead of mats. At Barks in the Bay, we know how to work with different coat types and can spot (and fix!) mats before they become painful problems.
5. Feed for Fur Health
Good nutrition means stronger, healthier fur that’s less likely to mat. A balanced diet with enough protein and omega fatty acids supports skin and coat health from the inside out.
Don’t Wait Until It’s a Hair Emergency
The longer mats are left alone, the worse they get—and the harder (and more uncomfortable) they are to remove. Prevention is so much easier and more comfortable for your pup.
If you’re seeing the first signs of matting—or you just want to make sure your dog stays mat-free—we’ve got you covered.
🐶 Schedule a Grooming Appointment at K9 Wonderland Today!
Our team at Barks in the Bay is here to help keep your dog’s coat smooth, healthy, and mat-free. We offer:
- Dematting services (with love and patience)
- Baths and brushing
- Spa treatments
- Nail trims
- And full grooming packages customized to your dog’s needs
📅 Book your dog’s appointment today and let’s keep those mats in check—before they become a hairy situation.