How To Get Mats Out Of Dog Hair: Amazing Tips That Work

Every dog owner loves a soft, fluffy coat, but for many, especially those with long-haired breeds, there’s a dreaded enemy lurking within the fluff: mats.

A small tangle can quickly escalate into a dense, painful patch of matted hair that pulls at your dog’s skin, causing discomfort and even serious health issues.

Finding a large mat on your furry friend can be disheartening, and the thought of removing it can feel overwhelming.

You might be tempted to grab the scissors and just cut it out, or perhaps you’ve tried to brush it, only to have your dog yelp in pain and run away.

Dealing with matted hair is a delicate task. It requires patience, the right tools, and a gentle approach to ensure your dog’s comfort and safety. The fear of hurting your pet or making the problem worse is a real and valid concern for any loving dog owner.

The great news is that you can learn how to get mats out of dog hair safely and effectively at home.

This guide is here to be your trusted resource. We’ll walk you through why mats form, the essential tools you’ll need, and a detailed, step-by-step process for tackling even the most stubborn tangles.

We’ll also cover when it’s time to call in a professional groomer. Get ready to restore your dog’s coat to its beautiful, comfortable, and mat-free state.

Table of Contents

Why Do Dog Hair Mats Form and Why Are They a Problem?

Before we dive into the “how,” it’s important to understand the “why.” Mats are more than just an aesthetic issue; they are a genuine health concern.

A mat is a dense, tangled clump of hair in a dog’s coat. They start as small tangles but quickly gather more loose hair, dirt, and debris, tightening into a solid mass. They most commonly form in areas of high friction, such as:

Behind the ears
In the armpits
Under the collar or harness
On the legs and paws
Around the tail and rear end

The Dangers of Matted Hair

Letting mats go untreated can lead to a host of serious problems for your dog:

Pain and Discomfort: Mats pull constantly on the skin, causing significant pain. Imagine having a tight, uncomfortable knot of hair pulling on your scalp 24/7.
Skin Irritation and Infections: The skin under a mat can’t breathe. This traps moisture and creates a warm, damp environment perfect for bacteria and yeast to thrive, leading to painful skin infections, hot spots, and inflammation.
Parasite Infestations: Mats can provide a hidden refuge for fleas, ticks, and even maggots.
Restricted Movement: Severe matting, especially in the armpits or on the legs, can become so tight that it restricts the dog’s movement and makes walking painful.
Hematomas: The constant pulling on the skin can cause bruising and even aural hematomas (blood blisters on the ear flap) if the matting is behind the ears.

Understanding these risks underscores the importance of learning how to get mats out of dog hair promptly and safely.

Your Dematting Toolkit: Gathering the Essential Supplies

Attempting to remove a mat without the right tools is like trying to paint a house with a toothbrush—it will be frustrating, ineffective, and likely cause more harm than good. Investing in a few key grooming tools will make the process infinitely easier and safer.

Must-Have Tools for Removing Dog Hair Mats

Detangling or Conditioning Spray: This is non-negotiable. A good quality detangling spray lubricates the hair, making it easier to separate the strands without breakage. Never try to work on a dry mat. Cornstarch can also be used in a pinch to help absorb oils and loosen the knot.
A High-Quality Metal Comb (Greyhound Comb): A sturdy metal comb with both wide and fine teeth is essential. The wide-toothed end is for gently working through the outer edges of the mat, while the fine-toothed end is for more detailed work.
A Mat Splitter or Dematting Rake: This specialized tool looks intimidating but is incredibly effective. It has sharp, curved blades that are designed to safely cut through the mat from the inside out, breaking it into smaller, more manageable sections. The blades are curved away from the skin for safety.
A Slicker Brush: A slicker brush has fine, bent wire bristles. It is used after the mat has been broken up to brush out the remaining tangles and smooth the coat.
Treats, Treats, and More Treats: This process can be stressful for your dog. Having plenty of high-value treats on hand to reward calm behavior is crucial for creating a positive association with grooming.

What NOT to Use:

Scissors: Never, ever use scissors to cut out a mat. The mat is often pulled so tightly against the skin that it’s nearly impossible to tell where the hair ends and the skin begins. Countless dogs end up in the emergency vet clinic each year with severe cuts because their owners tried to remove a mat with scissors. Just don’t do it.

How to Get Mats Out of Dog Hair: A Step-by-Step Guide

Patience is the name of the game. This process should be done in short, positive sessions. If your dog (or you) becomes stressed, it’s better to stop and try again later.

Step 1: Prepare Your Dog and Your Workspace

Find a Calm Time: Choose a time when your dog is relaxed and sleepy, not when they are full of energy and want to play.
Get Comfortable: Work on the floor or have your dog on a non-slip surface where you can both be comfortable. For a small dog, a table with a non-slip mat can work well.
Positive Reinforcement: Start the session with a few treats and calm praise to set a positive tone.

Step 2: Saturate the Mat with Detangler

This is the first and most critical step in the actual dematting process.

Spray Generously: Liberally spray the detangling solution all over and around the mat.
Work it In: Use your fingers to gently work the spray deep into the matted hair. You want the entire mat to feel slick and lubricated. Let the spray sit for a few minutes to work its magic.

Step 3: Gently Loosen with Your Fingers

Before you introduce any tools, see what you can accomplish with your fingers.

Gently Pull Apart: Try to gently pull the mat apart with your fingers, working from the outer edges inward.
Isolate Strands: See if you can tease out any small sections of hair from the main clump. Every little bit helps.

Step 4: Using a Comb to Work the Edges

Now, pick up your metal comb. Always hold the hair at the base of the mat, close to the skin, between your fingers. This prevents the pulling motion from hurting your dog’s skin.

Hold the Hair: Firmly grasp the base of the matted hair against your dog’s skin.
Use the Wide-Toothed End: Starting at the very tips of the hair on the outer edge of the mat, use the wide-toothed end of your comb to gently pick at the tangle.
Short, Gentle Strokes: Use very short, gentle strokes. Don’t try to pull the comb all the way through the mat. You are just trying to loosen the outermost layer.
Work Your Way In: As you loosen the edges, slowly work your way deeper into the mat, bit by bit.

Step 5: Breaking Up the Core of the Mat

For dense, stubborn mats, your fingers and a comb won’t be enough. It’s time to bring in the mat splitter or dematting rake. This tool will save you time and save your dog from excessive pulling.

Hold the Hair Securely: Continue to hold the base of the mat firmly against the skin.
Insert the Tool: Carefully slide the blades of the mat splitter under the mat, with the sharp side facing away from the skin.
Use a “Sawing” Motion: Use a short, gentle, sawing motion to pull the tool through the mat. The blades will slice through the tangled hair, breaking the mat into smaller, vertical strips.
Work in Sections: Continue this process, turning the tool to cut through the mat from different angles until the single large mat has been broken into several smaller, more manageable tangles.

Step 6: Combing and Brushing Out the Sections

Now that you’ve broken the mat’s back, you can switch back to your comb and slicker brush to finish the job.

Comb Through the Strips: Go back to your metal comb. You should now be able to work the comb through the smaller sections you created. Start at the tips and work your way down to the base.
Switch to the Slicker Brush: Once you can get the comb through, use your slicker brush to brush out the entire area. This will remove any remaining small tangles and loose undercoat that caused the mat in the first place.
Reward Your Dog: Throughout this process, give your dog treats and praise for their patience!

When to Call a Professional Groomer: The Point of No Return

While many minor mats can be handled at home, there are times when it is safer and more humane to seek professional help. If you encounter any of the following, please stop and book an appointment with a professional groomer.

The Mat is Extremely Tight Against the Skin: If you cannot easily slide your comb between the skin and the mat, it is too tight to be removed safely at home. This is called a “pelted” coat.
The Mat is Very Large: If the mat covers a large surface area (e.g., the entire ear or leg), the dematting process will be too long and painful for the dog to endure.
The Skin Under the Mat is Red, Inflamed, or Oozing: This indicates an infection that needs veterinary attention. A groomer can safely shave the area to allow for treatment.
Your Dog is in Too Much Pain or Distress: If your dog is crying, snapping, or showing extreme signs of stress, it is not fair to continue. A professional has the experience and equipment to get the job done quickly and humanely.

In cases of severe matting, the kindest and safest solution is often for a groomer to shave the mats out with clippers. The hair will grow back, and starting over with a fresh coat is far better than putting your dog through a long and painful dematting session.

The Best Offense is a Good Defense: How to Prevent Mats

The best way to deal with mats is to prevent them from forming in the first place. A consistent grooming routine is key.

Brush Regularly: The single most effective thing you can do is brush your dog regularly. For long-haired breeds, this may mean daily. For others, a few times a week will suffice.
Use the Right Brush: Use a slicker brush to remove loose undercoat and a metal comb to get all the way down to the skin, ensuring there are no hidden tangles. Brushing just the top layer of fur is not enough.
Pay Attention to High-Friction Areas: Give extra attention to the “mat zones” like behind the ears, under the legs, and where the collar or harness sits.
Keep Up with Professional Grooming: Regular appointments with a professional groomer can help maintain your dog’s coat and catch small tangles before they become major problems.
Proper Bathing Technique: Always thoroughly brush and comb your dog before a bath. Water will tighten existing tangles, making them almost impossible to remove. Use a good quality dog conditioner after shampooing.

Conclusion: A Labor of Love

Learning how to get mats out of dog hair is a vital skill for any responsible pet parent. It requires patience, the right tools, and a deep respect for your dog’s comfort and trust.

Remember to work slowly, use plenty of detangling spray, and always protect your dog’s skin by holding the hair at the base.

Don’t be discouraged if you find a mat. It happens to even the most diligent owners. By tackling it with the gentle and effective methods outlined in this guide, you can resolve the issue safely and strengthen the bond you share with your furry best friend.

And by committing to a regular brushing routine, you can make painful mats a thing of the past. Your dog’s healthy, beautiful, and comfortable coat will be well worth the effort. Happy grooming