Detangling or Shave-Down? What to Do When Your Dog Has Mats

Mats are clumps of tangled hair that tighten over time. They are more than a cosmetic problem: tight mats pull on the skin every time a dog moves, trap moisture and dirt, and can hide sores or irritation underneath.

When Detangling Works

Loose tangles and small mats near the tips of the hair can usually be worked out. A groomer uses detangling products, slicker brushes and combs to loosen the hair a little at a time, so the coat can be saved at its current length.

When a Shorter Clip Is Kinder

When mats are tight against the skin, or the coat has matted into one solid layer, brushing them out would take a long time and hurt. In that case, clipping the coat short underneath the mats is the more humane choice. The good news is that hair grows back, and a fresh start makes the new coat much easier to keep tangle-free.

How to Stop Mats Coming Back

• Brush all the way down to the skin, then check with a metal comb.
• Focus on friction spots: behind the ears, the collar and harness line, the armpits and the back legs.
• Dry your dog fully after baths, rain, fog or swimming. Damp coats mat fastest.
• Keep a curly or long coat on a regular grooming schedule, usually every four to six weeks.
• Ask for a shorter trim if daily brushing is not realistic.

Book It at Your Door

Sky Pet Grooming's van comes to your home in San Bruno, South San Francisco, Millbrae, Burlingame, San Mateo and across the northern Peninsula, plus southern and western San Francisco. Add detangling when you book online, or call (415) 754-0813 with any questions.