Whats the deal with matting?
Matting is one of the most common issues I see in dog grooming, but many pet parents don’t realize how serious it can be. Those tight clumps of tangled fur aren’t just a cosmetic problem — they can cause discomfort, pain, and even health issues for your pup.
What is Matting?
Matting happens when a dog’s fur becomes tangled and knotted to the point that it forms dense clumps. Mats often develop in areas where there’s a lot of friction — like behind the ears, under the collar, around the armpits, or between the legs. Dogs with curly, long, or double coats are especially prone to matting, but it can happen to any breed if regular grooming is skipped.
Why Matting is a Big Problem
Mats may seem like just “messy fur,” but they can quickly become a serious welfare concern:
Painful pulling – Mats pull tightly on the skin, which can be extremely uncomfortable for your dog.
Skin irritation – Mats trap dirt, moisture, and debris, leading to hot spots, sores, and rashes.
Restricted movement – Severe matting in the legs or tail can make it painful for your dog to walk, run, or wag their tail.
Hidden dangers – Fleas, ticks, and even wounds can hide beneath mats, going unnoticed and untreated.
Circulation problems – In extreme cases, mats can cut off blood flow, especially in ears or tails.
How I Handle Matting
When a dog comes in with mats, my first job is always the dog’s comfort and safety. Depending on the severity of the matting, there are a few options:
Brushing and de-matting – If the mats are small and mild, they can sometimes be carefully brushed out. I am always hesitant as this takes time and is pretty uncomfortable for the dog.
Shaving down – If mats are severe, the most humane option is to shave the coat short and start fresh. While some owners are disappointed when their dog needs to be shaved, it is always done in the dog’s best interest. A matted coat cannot be “magically” brushed out without causing pain.
Skin and coat care – After removing mats, IF I find any thing out of the ordinary, I will recommend a vet follow-up.
What Happens if You Don’t Deal With Matting?
If matting is left untreated, it can lead to a range of painful and dangerous problems for dogs. Here’s what CAN happen when mats are ignored:
Constant discomfort and pain – Mats pull on the skin every time the dog moves, it like having their hair yanked nonstop.
Skin infections – Moisture, dirt, and bacteria get trapped under mats, creating the perfect environment for sores, hot spots, and fungal infections which owners wont know about as it is under the mats.
Circulation issues – Severe mats (especially on ears, tails, or legs) can tighten so much that they cut off blood flow, sometimes leading to permanent damage.
Parasites hiding – Fleas, ticks, and even maggots can live under mats where owners can’t see them.
Severe cases – In extreme neglect, matting can become so bad that it requires veterinary intervention or sedation to remove safely.
In short: untreated mats don’t just look messy — they can severely impact a dog’s health and quality of life.
