Mats in dog hair are a pain to deal with, for both you and your dog. Regular brushing can help keep them at bay, but sometimes, they may form anyway. If you find yourself in this situation, here’s how to remove mats in dog hair and prevent them in the first place:

What Are Mats in Dog Hair?

If your dog’s fur forms mats, it means the fur gets tangled so much that it forms a tight wad of fur. If that clump does not get brushed out or detangled, it will just get more tangled and collect dirt and oil.

This clump will get bigger and get closer to your dog’s skin, which will cause your dog discomfort or even pain. Mats can also make it much harder to find fleas or ticks, which can cause itching or other health issues.

Certain areas of your dog’s body are more prone to mats than other places. These areas include places where friction occurs, like under a harness or collar, armpits, under their chin, back of the rear legs, or between their toes. They can come in a variety of sizes, from very small to, in some very extreme cases, covering almost your dog’s entire coat.

What Causes Mats in Dog Hair?

There are a few causes of mats in dog hair. If your dog has long or curly fur, they may be more prone to mats. However, even dogs with shorter fur may experience mats. This is because there are a few factors that can cause mats.

1. Friction

If there’s anything that comes into frequent contact with your dog’s fur, it can cause mats. The most common cause of friction are collars, harnesses, or dog clothes like sweaters. These items can rub the fur too much, creating mats. This is why proper fitting of these items is strongly encouraged.

Matting may occur around your dog’s ears or any place they scratch themselves. Scratching can cause mats to form. If you notice scratching and are wondering why your dog is so itchy, it could be due to fleas or allergies.

2. Shedding

When a dog excessively sheds, some of the loose hair can stick to the attached fur. When this happens, mats can form. This is why during the shedding season extra brushings are highly recommended and is an essential dog grooming tip. Not only can regular brushing loosen extra fur, but it also gets rid of those clumps and keeps them from forming mats.

3. Water or Dirt

Some dogs love the water and try to be in water at any opportunity. However, wet fur can create some tangles in the fur, especially if dirt or mud gets mixed in. To prevent this from happening, be sure to rinse your dog after a lake or pool day and give them a good brushing after they’re dry. An essential dog bathing tip is to always brush your dog before bathing to loosen hair, which can help prevent mats from forming.

Are Some Dog Breeds More Prone to Mats?

There are many different dog coat types. Depending on fur type and length, certain breeds may be more susceptible to mats forming in their fur. Dogs that have longer or curly fur or have double coats may develop mats more quickly than other breeds. These breeds can include, but are not limited to, Poodles, Bichons Frise, Border Collies, Yorkies, Huskies, and Cocker Spaniels.

This is an overview of what to know about mats in dog hair. Knowing how and why mats form can help you determine the grooming level of a puppy, get ahead of the problem, and, hopefully, prevent matting. This helps keep your dog comfortable and their coat healthy and looking great!