How to Detangle Your Dog's Matted Coat

How to Detangle Your Dog's Matted Coat - Here we go again! Our shaggy dogs can get their fur in a bunch so quickly. Long-haired breeds like Doodles, Cocker Spaniels, and Shih Tzu can seem like they have a new mess of tangled hair every time you turn around. Some dog breeds are prone to matted and tangled fur that leaves us a real chore to keep them feeling soft and smooth. Tangled dog fur can have multiple causes like breed, age, weather, or play at the dog park.

Certain breeds can be challenging to keep tangle-free. We've gathered tips to maintain their glossy, sleek, and soft coats.

Brushing

Daily brushing is essential for mat-free coats. It's our top tip to maintain your dog's coat health. Brushing removes snarls from their fur while spreading their natural fur oil evenly throughout their coat. For long-haired breeds, this is often a necessary step anyway to prevent excess shedding in the house.

Brushing is not actually as simple as it seems. There can be more technique to a proper brushing session than meets the eye. We encourage owners to “brush up” on their brushing knowledge by watching a few videos that will go deeper into proper methods. Brushing the top coat alone pushes tangles deeper. Learn breed-specific brushing techniques and get appropriate tools for mat prevention.

Undercoat rakes - For dog breeds like collies and retrievers, it’s time to bring out the big guns! These breeds have long and short fur in their coats that need the de-shedding and untangling power of this brush. Undercoat rakes keep coats healthier by getting rid of loose fur and dead skin deep in the coat providing a lustrous new layer.

Combs - Combs can get deeper into stubborn knots and mats to get them out for good. These heavier-duty combs are sturdy enough to pick out even the most tangled mess with a little patience. Make sure not to pull on their coat and cause them pain or they won’t want to sit through another session with you!

Mat splitter - This heavy-duty tool is a no-holds-barred approach to giving your pup the tangle-free day they deserve! The tool is commonly used by professional groomers to quickly cut out any knots that can’t be picked out with a comb or other tool. The mat splitter cuts through mats without shortening the length of their fur.

Slicker brushes - The thin wires on slicker brushes are perfect for putting a fine finish on your dog’s coat to help them stay mat-free even longer. After a bath and a thorough undercoat brushing, slicker brushes will have them sleeker than an otter, and they’ll love you for it!

Bathing & Conditioning

Bathing is another essential line of defense for your shaggy pup. Giving your dog a bath will remove the dry dirt and dust that leave friction in the fur. Friction is one of the biggest factors in tangling and knotting fur as it rubs and intertwines more easily in rough coats.

Giving your dog a bath is a perfect way to moisturize them with shampoo and conditioner, but you should never bathe them too much or run the risk of drying out their skin and coat. To take out the risk of removing their natural oil, only bathe your pup once a month. For frequent dirtiness, opt for moisturizing shampoo, conditioner, or none for a healthier coat. Once again, a little research into giving your dog the perfect bath can go a long way!

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Diet

Your dog’s coat is an indicator of its overall health. If your dog has a shiny and very healthy-looking coat, chances are they are in fantastic health. However, if they have a dull, rough coat something may be off with their diet. To ensure your pup has a shiny, soft coat and is healthy as can be, make sure you are feeding them the highest quality treats and food. Speaking with your vet periodically about your dog’s diet is always a good idea as this can be an underlying factor in matted or tangled fur.

Groomers

Taking your dog to the groomer is one of the best and most obvious ways to combat stubborn matting and knots in their coat. Some breeds like poodles and Bichon Frisés are notoriously high maintenance for coat grooming needs. They will need to make frequent trips to the groomer to keep their coats short and tangle-free. A cropped coat can prevent matting, though it's not always feasible due to climate or aesthetic preferences.

Make sure you listen carefully to your groomer’s advice when it comes to your breed as they may have specific advice on how to keep your pup knot-free between visits. They will be knowledgeable about breeds with double coats like huskies, rottweilers, and retrievers that won’t benefit from shaving.

Regular groomer visits create familiarity and comfort for your dog, reducing anxiety and making grooming a smoother experience for all.

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