Why You Should Never Allow Mats in Your Dog’s Coat

Owning a dog with a short, single-layered coat often makes grooming simpler, but many breeds have longer or denser coats that need more attention. Dogs such as the Siberian husky or many playful Shih Tzu and other toy breeds require regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles.

For those whose dogs need daily brushing, this grooming time is often cherished; it deepens your bond, providing calm moments together. However, for some owners, the busy pace of life can lead to missed grooming sessions, allowing mats to form quickly and cause many problems that worsen if left unaddressed.

Why Mats Are a Problem for Your Dog

1. Mats Cause Skin Infections

Mats form dense, tight clumps that trap moisture, dirt, and bacteria close to the skin. This hinders the skin’s ability to breathe and stay healthy, often leading to painful hot spots, sores, and infections. These conditions are uncomfortable for your dog and make treatment more complex.

2. Mats Create Unpleasant Odours

A clean, well-maintained dog coat shouldn’t smell. Mats trap dirt and bacteria, particularly around areas like the undercarriage, causing unpleasant odours that only intensify if mats are ignored.

3. Mats Worsen Over Time

If mats develop, they do not resolve on their own. Instead, they become larger, tighter, and more difficult to remove. Old mats can cause distress during grooming, risk skin injury when cutting, and might require professional clipping, which is stressful for both dog and owner.

4. Pain and Discomfort from Mats

Tight mats pull painfully on the skin, causing discomfort and sometimes restricting movement, particularly when formed in sensitive areas like inner thighs and armpits. This distress can affect your dog’s quality of life significantly.

How to Prevent Mats Forming in Your Dog’s Coat

Step 1: Regular, Appropriate Brushing

The best defence against mats is consistent grooming tailored to your dog’s coat type.

• Short-haired dogs: Brush 1-2 times weekly.
• Long-haired or curly coats: Brush daily or every other day.
• Double-coated breeds: Daily brushing is ideal to prevent tangles.

Use suitable tools such as slicker brushes for thick coats, wide-toothed combs for gentle detangling, and de-shedding tools for double coats. Divide the coat into sections and brush starting from the ends of hairs moving upward to prevent pulling.

Step 2: Controlled Bathing and Drying

Bathe your dog using shampoo and conditioner formulated for dogs to maintain natural oils. Avoid over-bathing as it can dry and tangle the coat. Always brush before bathing to remove loose hair and tangles, and dry thoroughly afterward with towels and a cool, low-power blow dryer if possible, as damp fur is prone to matting.

Step 3: Use Detangling Products

Applying dog-friendly detangling sprays or conditioners can ease brushing and reduce mat formation, making grooming less stressful.

Step 4: Immediate Attention to Mats

If mats start to form, promptly try to gently work them out using a dematting comb. If mats are extensive or painful, book a professional groomer session to safely remove them.

Step 5: Grooming for Busy Owners

Even short, daily sessions of five to ten minutes can prevent serious tangles. Use dog wipes or sprays for quick maintenance between thorough grooming. Scheduling regular professional grooming appointments can also keep coat maintenance manageable.

Mats impact your dog’s health and happiness, so regular care and early action are essential. By embedding these grooming practices into your routine, you ensure your dog remains comfortable, clean, and healthy, strengthening your bond for years to come.