How to Remove Mats from Dog Hair Without Pain
📅 January 2025 | ⏱️ 7 min read | 🔥 High Traffic
Matted fur is more than just unsightly - it's painful for your dog and can lead to skin infections. This guide will teach you how to safely remove mats without hurting your pet.
Understanding Dog Mats
What Are Mats?
Mats are tangled clumps of hair that form when loose fur gets caught in the coat. They typically develop:
- Behind ears
- Under arms (armpits)
- Around collar area
- On chest and belly
- Between toes and paw pads
- Base of tail
Why Mats Are Dangerous:
- Painful: Pull on skin constantly
- Restrict Movement: Especially in joints
- Trap Moisture: Creates hot spots and infections
- Hide Parasites: Fleas and ticks love matted areas
- Cause Sores: Rubbing creates raw patches
Tools You'll Need
Essential Dematting Kit:
- Dematting Tool/Mat Splitter - Blades safely cut through mats ($12-25)
→ View recommended dematting tools - Slicker Brush - For working out tangles ($15-20)
- Metal Comb - Wide and narrow teeth ($8-15)
- Detangling Spray - Slick spray or coconut oil ($10-18)
- Blunt-Tip Scissors - Emergency mat removal ($8-12)
- Treats - Keep your dog calm and rewarded
Step-by-Step Mat Removal Process
Step 1: Assess the Situation
Examine each mat:
- Minor tangles: Can be brushed out
- Moderate mats: Need dematting tool
- Severe mats: May need cutting or professional help
Red Flags (See a Pro):
- Mat is tight against skin
- Skin looks red, raw, or infected underneath
- Dog cries or snaps when you touch area
- Mat covers 30%+ of body
Step 2: Apply Detangling Spray
Spray liberally on matted areas. This:
- Lubricates hair for easier separation
- Reduces static and friction
- Makes process less painful
DIY Option: Mix 1 part dog conditioner with 3 parts water in spray bottle.
Let it sit: Wait 5-10 minutes before starting.
Step 3: Work from the Outside In
Never start at the skin!
Technique:
- Hold the mat at the base (near skin) to prevent pulling
- Use fingers to gently pull apart outer edges
- Work in small sections
- Use comb to separate strands, starting at tips
- Gradually work toward the base
Pro Tip: Use short, gentle strokes. Never yank or pull hard.
Step 4: Use the Dematting Tool
For stubborn mats:
- Position tool under the mat
- Hold hair taut above the mat (to prevent pulling skin)
- Gently saw through the mat with short strokes
- The blade will split the mat into smaller sections
- Brush out the separated pieces
Important: Keep blade parallel to skin, never perpendicular. This prevents cutting your dog.
Step 5: Brush Thoroughly
After removing mat:
- Use slicker brush to remove remaining tangles
- Brush in direction of hair growth
- Check with metal comb to ensure no small tangles remain
- Reward your dog with treats!
When to Cut Mats Out
Last Resort Only: Cutting should be avoided when possible, but sometimes necessary.
Safe Cutting Technique:
- Use blunt-tip scissors only (safer than sharp points)
- Slide a comb between mat and skin as barrier
- Cut the mat parallel to the body (never toward skin)
- Cut small amounts at a time
- Remove cut pieces and check skin
Mat Prevention Strategies
Daily Prevention (5-10 minutes):
- Brush high-risk areas: Behind ears, armpits, chest
- Quick body check: Run hands through coat to feel for tangles
- Spot treat: Address small tangles before they become mats
Weekly Maintenance:
- Full body brush: 15-30 minutes depending on coat
- Use correct brush: Slicker for long hair, rake for double coats
- Brush before and after baths: Wet mats are impossible to remove
Monthly Tasks:
- Deep conditioning: Keeps coat healthy and tangle-free
- Sanitary trim: Keep areas clean that collect debris
- Professional assessment: Groomer can catch problem areas
Best Products for Mat Prevention
- Leave-In Conditioner Spray - Daily detangler ($12-18)
→ View top-rated detangling sprays - Quality Slicker Brush - Prevents tangles ($15-25)
→ See our brush guide - Undercoat Rake - For double-coated breeds ($18-30)
→ View undercoat rakes
Breed-Specific Advice
High-Risk Breeds for Matting:
- Poodles & Doodles: Brush 3-4 times weekly minimum
- Bichon Frise: Daily brushing, professional grooming every 6 weeks
- Shih Tzu: Daily face grooming, full brush every other day
- Golden Retrievers: Focus on undercoat during shedding season
- Maltese: Daily brushing essential, keep coat short in summer
Professional Help: When to Call a Groomer
Don't DIY if:
- Mats cover more than 30% of body
- Mats are pressed tight against skin
- You see red, inflamed, or broken skin
- Your dog is in obvious pain
- Mat is in sensitive area (face, genitals, paws)
- You feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed
What the Groomer Will Do:
- Assess if coat can be saved or needs shaving
- Use professional tools and techniques
- Check skin for issues underneath
- May recommend medication for skin problems
- Teach you prevention strategies
FAQ: Mat Removal
Can I bathe my dog before removing mats?
NO! Water tightens mats. Always remove mats BEFORE bathing. Bath after dematting is complete.
How long does mat removal take?
Minor tangles: 10-15 minutes
Moderate mats: 30-60 minutes
Severe matting: 1-3 hours (or professional grooming)
Will removing mats hurt my dog?
Proper technique shouldn't hurt. Take breaks, use treats, and stop if your dog shows distress. Some pulling is inevitable but should be minimal.
Can mats grow back quickly?
Yes, if you don't change habits. Without regular brushing, mats can reform in days or weeks.
Get the Right Dematting Tools
Professional-grade tools make mat removal easier and safer
Shop Grooming Tools →Final Tips
- ✅ Work in short sessions (15-20 minutes) to avoid stressing your dog
- ✅ Always hold hair at the base when working on mats
- ✅ Use lots of treats and praise
- ✅ Start prevention routine immediately after removal
- ✅ Schedule regular grooming appointments
- ✅ Keep dematting spray on hand for quick fixes
Remember: Prevention is 100x easier than removal. Daily brushing takes 5 minutes. Removing severe mats takes hours. Choose wisely!