The Truth About Matting: Why It Happens and How to Prevent It

If you’ve ever run your hands through your dog’s coat and felt a clump of tangled fur, you’re not alone. Matting is one of the most common issues groomers see, especially in doodles, poodles, spaniels, long-haired breeds, and double-coated dogs.

But here’s the good news: matting is totally preventable with the right knowledge and routine.

Let's break down the real science behind matting, why it matters, and what you can do to keep your dog comfortable, healthy, and tangle-free.

What Is Matting, Really?

Matting is more than just “knots.”
It’s tight, compacted tangles of hair that twist around themselves close to the skin.

Think more along the lines of dread locks.

Once a mat forms, it grows.
And once it grows, it tightens.

You can think of a mat like Velcro:
The more loose hair, moisture, friction, or dirt it collects, the faster it expands.

Why Dogs Get Matted

Matting doesn't mean you’re a bad pet parent. It means your dog simply has a coat type that requires regular, intentional maintenance.

Here are the most common causes:

1. Lack of Thorough Brushing

Most dog owners brush the top of the coat, but matting happens underneath; in the armpits, behind the ears, in the groin, around the collar, and on the legs.

2. Moisture + Friction

The perfect recipe for mats includes:

Rain or snow
Bathing without fully drying and brushing
Swimming
Harnesses, collars, or sweaters rubbing the coat

Moisture causes the hair to twist. Friction tightens it.

3. High-Maintenance Breeds

Doodles, poodles, shih tzus, havanese, bichons, cocker spaniels, and similar breeds have soft, fine, curly or wavy coats that mat extremely easily.

4. Skipping Grooming Appointments

Longer gaps between grooms = more coat growth.
More coat growth = more potential for matting.

It’s that simple.

Even short coats can mat if they’re not brushed or blow-dried after getting wet.

Why Matting Is More Serious Than Most People Realize

Matting can be painful.
Not “a little tug” painful, but pulling-on-the-skin-all-day painful.

Severe matting can cause:

Skin irritation and hot spots
Bacterial or fungal infections
Limited air flow to the skin
Bruising or hematomas
Restricted movement
Hidden debris, burrs, or parasites
A higher risk of nicks during grooming
Emergency short clips (“shave-downs”) for the dog’s comfort and safety

Matting never stays the same, it only gets worse.

That’s why groomers recommend addressing it early, before it becomes a welfare issue.

How to Prevent Matting For Good

Good news: with the right routine, matting is completely preventable.

1. Brush + Comb (Yes, Both!) 2–4 Times per Week

A brush fluffs the coat.
A metal comb finds knots the brush misses.

If your comb can’t glide from skin to tip, there is a tangle.

2. Keep a Regular Grooming Schedule

For long or curly-coated dogs, we recommend:
Every 4–6 weeks.

For short-haired or double-coated dogs:
Every 6–8 weeks.

This prevents the coat from becoming overgrown and unmanageable.

3. Dry Thoroughly After Baths or Going Outside

Never let your dog “air dry” if they have hair longer than ½ inch.
Moisture + friction = mats.

Use:

A blow dryer on low heat
A metal comb while drying
A slicker brush to lift and separate hair

4. Choose the Right Haircut for Your Maintenance Level

Long, fluffy coats require daily brushing.
Shorter “puppy cuts” are perfect for busy families or active dogs.

There is no wrong choice—only the right choice for your lifestyle.

5. Rethink Harnesses, Sweaters & Collars

If your dog wears them daily, check for mats:

Under the collar
On the chest
Behind the front legs

Rotating gear or brushing after walks can prevent friction mats.

When Shaving Down Is the Kindest Option

If your dog is severely matted, a shave-down may be the only humane solution.

A short clip:

Removes painful matting
Allows skin to breathe and heal
Gives the coat a fresh, healthy start

It’s not a punishment, it’s compassion.

Think of it like cutting detangled, damaged hair so healthy growth can return.

Final Thoughts

Matting is incredibly common, but also incredibly preventable with the right routine. Groomers aren’t here to judge; we’re here to educate, support, and help your dog stay comfortable and healthy.

When you partner with your groomer and stay consistent at home, your dog’s coat will look better, feel better, and stay healthier year-round.

If you ever need personalized coat care guidance, product recommendations, or a demonstration on how to brush properly, we’re here for you and happy to help.

(845) 855 - 7100 | planetgroomny@gmail.com