Back to Blog
June 16, 2026What is matting and how do owners prevent it?
Matting begins when animal hairs intertwine with one another and then continue to grow, usually just above the skin level. Regular brushing helps to prevent matting, especially in problem areas such as the ears, tail and legs. When matted areas get wet from swimming, rain, bathing, or dewy grass, they become tighter. If you have a dog that needs regular brushing, make it part of your overall care plan.
How often should I brush my dog?
The brushing needs of each dog are dependent on several factors, including breed, age, coat type, hairstyle, and activity level. Of these the biggest factor is breed. For example, a typical Golden Retriever would be fine with a weekly brush out and any mating encountered would not be too difficult to break up. On the other end of the spectrum are poodles and poodle mixes that require brushing on a more frequent basis. If you dog’s breed ends with “oodle” or “poo” their coat will mat so fast you can almost watch it happen. Generally, the longer and thicker the coat, the more often they need to be brushed; while poodles and poodle mixes do not shed, they have a thick – dense coat that needs to be cared for regularly.
Short-haired breeds need to be brushed as well. Shorter hair doggies like terriers, hounds, and labs should still be brushed every couple of weeks with a soft bristle brush to remove dead hair and stimulate the skin. There is rubber tipped brushes that do an outstanding job without any skin irritation.
What type of brush or other tools do I need?
The brush type needed depends on the coat type. For poodle mixes, purchase a “Slicker” brush with firm bristles that are long enough to reach to your friend’s skin level. If you keep their hair longer, then you will need a brush with longer bristles, and shorter bristles for shorter haircuts. You will also need a metal comb to locate any mats that are present. After brushing you should be able to pull the metal comb through all the fur without feeling it catch anywhere. If it catches, you have a mat that needs to be broken up.
If you have a “down-coated” dog, which is one in which the hair grows downward toward the ground, then you also need an undercoat rake. Dogs like Golden Retrievers, Huskey, Great Pyrenees, Shepherds, and their mixes develop an undercoat that will not shed on its own. Using an undercoat rake will help to pull the dead hair out; pick the rake type that has teeth long enough to reach your dog’s skin level.
When should I start brushing my dog?
The day after they come to your home, establish it as part of your friend’s routine. If your dog is being welcomed to your home as a puppy, their fur will be light and wispy – free of any tangles, please brush them anyway. Brushing puppies creates a bond; their mothers were their first groomers so brushing continues that and will help them to get used to the experience.
My dog will not let me brush them; how do I handle that?
I am around dogs who are being brushed throughout the day at our shop, when I get home and pull out the brush my Golden Retriever mix runs and hides in the closet. I feel your pain. One of the tricks I use is to put him on an elevated surface, like a table, using a yoga mat to avoid him slipping and sliding. He feels much less like he can just bolt for the safety of the closet and allows me to brush him out.
I am not sure how to brush or what tools to use, my groomer help?
Absolutely, your groomer has a vested interest in helping you keep the coat clear of any matting. Please ask them to show you at the next appointment, and which tools are right for your dog.
What if I do not have time to brush my dog on a regular basis?
Life happens; between work, home, and family obligations, sometimes brushing on a regular basis is just not in the schedule. Check with your groomer to see if they offer brushout only services. It is an inexpensive way to maintain the coat health.
What if I am boarding my dog?
Most boarding facilities do not provide any level of coat care while your pet is staying with them. Our recommendation is in-home boarding using a qualified local company. If you do board your dog at a kennel that does not brush them, please do not have them perform a bath at the end of the stay. Any matting that has developed during the stay will become very tight after going through the bath before being brushed out first. Instead, brush your dog out
What are my grooming options if my dog is matted?
Many grooming shops will only provide the option to shave the entire coat off and start over. In some cases that is the least expensive and best option. In severe cases it will be the only option. In most cases matting can be broken using specialized tools, equipment and trained personnel. Most salons charge an additional fee for de-matting though as the process is time consuming to perform safely. While shops make every effort to ensure the dogs are as comfortable as possible, removing mats does sometimes pull on the fur, so prevention is always the better option. If your dog is severely matted or if the matting is very close to the skin, preventing the team from breaking them up safely, then we will recommend the option of going with a shorter haircut that will still leave them cute. Groomers are always happy to assess any matting and provide honest recommendations on the best options available.
