First Night With Your Puppy: A Survival Guide

If your pup has just returned from a mucky outdoor adventure and is proudly sporting a fresh coat of mud on their paws, you may not be thrilled by the thought of the mess that’s about to enter your home!

We’ve all been there. Your dog’s just living their best life, rolling in the grass and snoozing on the couch, when suddenly you spot it. A mat. Maybe two. Maybe a whole mat party! Immediately, you start to wonder how to get mats out of dog hair.

Letting mats build up isn’t just a bad hair day. According to Giulia D’Ignazio, a professional dog groomer, one of the biggest mistakes pet owners make when trying to remove mats from their dog’s fur is not realizing how close it is to the skin and hurting the dog. Mats can be painful, leading to skin irritation and even infections.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to gently remove mats without turning it into a wrestling match, which tools work best, and how to prevent future mats from taking over your dog’s coat.

Why Does Dog Hair Get Matted?

Mats can sneak into your dog’s coat for many different reasons, and some breeds are more prone to them than others. Long-haired or curly-haired pups, for example, are more likely to develop mats due to their hair’s tendency to twist and tangle. If you’ve got a fluffy pup, you’re probably already familiar with the struggle!

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Giulia points out that all dog breeds can mat if not properly taken care of. Regular brushing should be part of most dogs’ care routine, even if it is only once a week, to remove any tangles.

Water-loving dogs are particularly at risk. Moisture left on your dog’s coat causes the fur to clump together and potentially form mats. And let’s not forget the friction that can come from collars, harnesses, or even their favorite spot on the couch. All that rubbing can lead to some unexpected matting, especially around the neck and chest.

How to Get Mats Out of Dog Hair

Before you dive in with your brush, take a moment to assess the situation. Not all mats are created equal, and how you handle them depends on how severe they are.

Start by gently feeling the mat with your fingers. If the mat is loose and only lightly tangled, you can likely remove it at home with a little patience. But if you’re dealing with tight, close-to-skin mats that have been building up for a while, it might be time to consult a professional groomer. These mats can be tricky and sometimes even painful to remove, especially if they’re pulling on your dog’s skin.

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Giulia reminds us that if your finger doesn’t fit between the mat and the skin, it must be removed professionally. A good groomer can safely cut and de-mat the hair without causing harm.

Matted dog fur doesn’t have to be a hairy situation! The key is to address mats early, use the right tools and techniques, and stay on top of grooming to keep your pup’s coat in tip-top shape. Remember, prevention is always better than a cure, so a regular brushing routine goes a long way in keeping those tangles at bay.

Gather the Right Tools

To tackle mats safely, you need the right tools for the job. Here’s what you want to have on hand:

Detangling spray: A good detangling spray can work wonders to loosen stubborn mats and make the hair more manageable. A deodorizing spray can also help, like.
Wide-tooth comb, slicker brush, and mat-splitting tool: These are your best friends for gently working through tangles without causing pain. The wide-tooth comb helps to ease through the hair without pulling, while the mat-splitting tool targets tighter mats. The slicker brush makes brushing out the loosened mat a breeze
Scissors (for severe mats): If the mats are severe and you’re unable to loosen them, you may need to carefully trim them out. Always use blunt-ended scissors to avoid accidentally cutting your dog’s skin.
Grooming wipes for post-detangling care: After you’ve finished, grooming wipes can help clean up any loose hair and keep your dog’s coat feeling fresh.