March 9, 2023 |
Els Desart

If your dog has had a matted coat before, you’ll know how distressing and difficult to remove those tricky mats can be. We’re often asked by owners of long haired and double coated dogs how they can prevent matting, so we’ve prepared a handy guide to help you keep on top of your dog’s coat.

 

WHAT IS MATTING?

Matting occurs when dogs have tangles which become knots in their fur. This may seem harmless, but very quickly these tangles work their way up the fur, trapping moisture, causing irritation and pain to your dog’s skin. Eventually when matting is very close to the skin these mats can become “pelts”, cut off circulation and even resulting in a hematoma.

 

WHAT CAUSES MATTING?

  • Friction: Matting often happens in areas of your dog where the most friction happens. This includes your dog’s armpits, where their collar sits, legs, behind the ears, or where they often scratch. For this reason, it’s best to keep a close eye on these areas, dry them, and comb them out regularly to avoid mats.
  • Seasonal: Another cause of matting could be the changing of the seasons. Some pups develop more matting at the time of the year where they are “blowing their coat” or shedding their winter coat. When you don’t brush away the loose fur, the dead skin mixes with new fur and becomes a breeding ground for matted hair.
  • Allergies: Dogs get allergies too, especially long-haired dogs. Dogs with allergies often lick the itchy areas of their body, producing areas of matted hair.
  • Fleas: When fleas and itches are present in your furry friend’s body, they’ll most likely scratch the area uncontrollably. Because they’re producing friction in the area, your dog will most likely develop matted fur in these parts.
  • Water: Water and moisture can contribute to matting and often show in between the legs or belly. And when the area gets wet constantly, their matting may worsen. This is why it’s best to take your dog to the groomers to ensure that they can deal with this issue professionally, giving your dog less discomfort.

 

HOW CAN I AVOID MATTING?

Some dogs are more prone to mats than others, short haired dog owners can relax, this one is for the long-haired or double-coated breeds!

  • Brush Regularly to the Bottom Layer: Regular brushing is key to ensure these tangles do not become matts, but one of the most common mistakes is only combing the top layer. This can actually make matting worse as you are pushing the tangles closer to the skin. Speak to our retail team to find out more about which brush is right for your dogs’ coat.
  • Comb all the “Tricky” Areas: Don’t avoid the bits your dog doesn’t like! The fiddly bits such as tail armpits and under chin and chest are the areas more likely to get matted. If your dog doesn’t let you near these areas with the brush, it is likely there is already matting present, and they are feeling pain. Ask our team for advice on how to desensitise your pup to regular grooming.
  • Keep Coats Short: For single coated dogs, you can opt to keep their coat shorter which will reduce matting, but does require more regular trips to the groomers. This is not recommended for double coated dogs, as their outer coat is designed to regulate temperature and protect them from the elements. The best way to tackle double coats is with an undercoat rake. Chat to our retail team to learn what this is, and how to use it.

 

IF MY DOG’S COAT IS MATTED, WHAT CAN I DO?

This is one best left to the experts. If you suspect your dog has matting, book in to see our grooming team as soon as possible. It is not recommended to use scissors on matts as they are often close to the skin and you risk cutting your dogs skin.

 

WHAT CAN A GROOMER DO IF YOUR DOG’S COAT IS MATTED?

Professional groomers want to follow your requests on hair length; however their job can be made quite tricky when matting is present. If pelting is present, they must clip underneath the matts, which means the haircut will be quite short. This can be a shock to parents who wanted a longer cut, but often the groomer doesn’t have any other option.

Skin damage is not uncommon after mats and pelts have been removed – this is due to the skin irritation that has been developing under the mat, which you’re not able to see. Once a severe mat is removed there can be some minor bleeding and skin irritation. If circulation has been cut off to an area, once the matt is removed blood will rush to the area and it will heal rapidly.

Overall, the best thing you can do is to keep up with good brushing techniques and book in regularly with the groomer. Do your research before committing to a dog breed with longer hair as their coat will need to be maintained daily. If you don’t think can keep up to the maintenance, go for a shorter haired breed where you won’t have to worry.

For help and advice with your dog’s coat, our team and groomers are always here to support you and answer your questions. Come and see us any time.