How to comb out mats in dogs

Continuing with the topic of grooming, today we'll discuss why dogs' fur gets so tangled, how to properly comb out tangles at home, the best way to brush your pet, and what products can help combat this problem.

Causes of tangles

Mats are clumps of tightly matted, tangled fur that are very difficult to untangle. This problem is common in many dogs with long hair, and for some breeds (like the Komondor), it's even considered normal.

Mats are a major problem for owners of dogs of all sizes, including miniature Yorkies, Spitz and Shih Tzus, all varieties of Poodles, and large Newfoundlands, Samoyeds, Chow Chows, Afghan Hounds, Collies, and others.

The reasons for tangling of fur can be very varied:

• type of wool and genetic features of its structure;
• lack of proper grooming (long-haired dogs must be washed and brushed periodically);
• improper care (too aggressive shampoo, improper drying, or a comb that does not allow you to properly comb the deep undercoat);
• changes in the structure of the coat due to various processes occurring in the animal’s body (hormonal changes, illness, taking certain medications);
• Incorrect selection of clothing for long-haired dogs.

That's why, to completely eliminate mats, it's important to analyze three key factors: your pet's health, quality of care, and maintenance. Knowing why the problem occurs will help you combat it more effectively, and the mats will reappear significantly less frequently, even if they don't disappear completely.

Please note! Puppy fur is more prone to tangling than the coarser coat of adult dogs. Therefore, the most common problems for owners are with young dogs aged 5-10 months and neutered pets, who can develop what's known as "puppy fur" due to hormonal changes.

Are tangles dangerous?

Most owners, from the very first weeks of bringing home a long-haired puppy, begin to learn how to comb out mats at home, as tangled fur isn't just an aesthetic flaw, but can also be the source of a whole host of unpleasant situations.

Among the problems that arise when tangles form, it is worth highlighting:

• physical discomfort (the animal may experience pain if the tangled hairball pulls on individual hairs when moving);
• dirt often gets stuck in the tangles;
• development of skin diseases (matted fur is often a place where parasites accumulate, the skin underneath is poorly ventilated, which leads to the development of fungus);
• Experiencing discomfort, many animals try to scratch out the annoying hairball themselves, damaging the skin, which leads to secondary infection of the scratches.

That is why every owner should know how to comb out tangles in a dog’s fur and prevent them from forming.

If you don't provide your pet with proper care and don't address mats early on, combing out an old, heavily matted furball at home with household products will be simply impossible, and the mats will have to be trimmed. After such a radical solution, it can take months for the pet's appearance to return to normal (for some dogs, trimming is highly undesirable).

How to untangle a dog's hair

There are several effective methods for removing mats from your dog's coat at home. The choice of method depends on the degree of tangling, as well as the type and length of the coat.

Combing with special products

This method is relevant for so-called “young mats” (when the wool is not yet very tangled).

In this case, before combing, the pet is bathed with a special shampoo or a special detangling product for dogs is applied to the coat, which improves the structure of the coat and makes combing easier.

People often ask for recommendations on the best detangling product for dogs, but there's no one-size-fits-all solution, and choosing a shampoo or spray is crucial for your pet. Each product has its own unique characteristics, so while one may be ideal for some and the owner may recommend it as "the best," others may find it unsuitable or even cause an allergic reaction.

In the category "anti-tangle shampoo for dogs," the most frequently recommended products are:

In the category of "anti-matting sprays for dogs" the most frequently recommended are:

You'll also need a special detangling comb for dogs. It should have long, rotating metal teeth with rounded, safe tips, but without balls. A classic slicker brush may also be necessary.

This video demonstrates in detail how to properly remove tangles from a dog's coat using a spray:

When combing, it is especially important to carefully work on areas where tangled fur most often forms:

• behind the ears;
• on the neck;
• under the paws;
• chest and abdomen;
• groin area;
• tail.

Any tangles that are found are carefully sorted out and untangled by hand using a comb and spray.

Important! Puppies whose coats are prone to matting will need this procedure daily (sometimes even twice a day).

Combing with a dematter

A dematter is a special type of equipment used by groomers to cut through matted fur or undercoat. It consists of a comb with safety blades that gently cut through matted fur, minimizing discomfort or pain for the animal.

According to their design, tangle cutters are classified as:

• vertical;
• horizontal;
• teardrop-shaped.

The tool should be selected based on the dog's size, coat thickness, and length. For medium and large long-haired breeds, tools with 10-12 blades are recommended; for smaller dogs, a smaller model is also recommended.

For more information on how to use a mat cutter to detangle your dog's fur at home, watch this video:

Mat cutters are effective when your pet has a lot of matted fur, but the mats haven't become too tightly packed. If the matted areas are too close to the skin and the mat cutter can't safely remove the fur, it's best to seek help from a veterinarian or experienced groomer.

Trimming off matted wool

If the mats are long-standing and very dense, and you can't untangle them with a comb, and you don't have a mat cutter, the only solution is to use scissors. However, don't rush to trim the tangled area down to the roots. Such bald spots will not only ruin your pet's appearance but also cause discomfort. Try cutting the mats lengthwise first.

To remove a mat using this method, the matted section of wool is cut along the growth of the wool into several pieces, each of which is then tried to be untangled.

If this method doesn't help, the only option is to trim the tangled area. If the matted fur is close to the body, it's better to use clippers instead of scissors; this reduces the risk of injuring the dog during the trimming process.

Preventing tangles

In fact, preventing tangles is much easier than constantly fighting with tangles that have already formed, causing discomfort to the dog and developing a persistent negative reaction to the grooming process.

Experienced breeders recommend:

1. Regularly comb your pet's fur, starting from the first months of life, with special products and professional tools.
2. Choose the right shampoo.
3. Monitor the condition of the skin and coat, and promptly contact a veterinarian if any changes in quality or any unexplained symptoms occur.
4. Long hair in breeds such as Yorkshire Terrier, wind it on papillotes.
5. Order clothes for your pet with a silk lining, which minimizes the likelihood of tangling.
6. Treat problem areas where fur tangles most often with talcum powder or baby powder.
7. Untangle the wool as soon as you notice a small lump, before a large matted area forms.
8. Don't neglect your pet's health monitoring schedule.
9. Find a pet stylish haircut.

Remember! Every puppy benefits from a positive brushing and grooming experience. So, get your puppy used to these procedures from the first months of life, brushing problem areas daily.

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