How to Deal With Knotted & Tangled Fur on a Dog

Dogs with any coat length can suffer from matted and knotted fur, although those with longer hair tend to suffer more from this condition. A lack of daily grooming, dirt and grime can all contribute to a heavily matted coat that can be painful for the dog. Matted, knotted fur can also contribute to flea or other parasite infestations and irritating skin conditions. Removing the mats from a dog's coat can take a while and needs to be done slowly to prevent causing the dog pain. Groom your dog's fur to get its fur healthy and mat-free.

Things You'll Need

  • Detangling spray
  • Steel comb
  • Powdered cornstarch
  • Matt splitter
  • Scissors
  • Slicker brush
  • Fine-tooth comb
  • Electric clipper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Spritz the dog's fur with a light mist of conditioning spray to lubricate the matted fur.

    • 2

      Comb through the dog's fur with a steel comb in the direction of the hair growth to begin locating the mats and knots in the fur. Do this slowly and gently to prevent catching the mats and hurting the dog.

    • 3

      Separate the mat, using your fingers or the tines of the comb, into smaller sections to work through. Sprinkle powdered cornstarch over the matted fur and work it into the hair with your fingers to help in the separation process.

    • 4

      Divide the mat or knot into sections using a mat splitter for more severe mats. You can find a mat splitter in pet supply stores. Place the sharp tines of the splitter at the base of the mat, next to the skin. Holding the hair at the base of the mat, work the mat splitter upwards, away from the skin, through the mat in a seesaw motion to cut through the knotted hair. You can also use a sharp scissor blade in the same manner, going from the bottom of the mat toward the direction of the fur growth.

    • 5

      Brush through each section of the separated mat with a slicker brush until you can smoothly brush through the fur and the mat is gone. Continue this method for each mat on the dog's coat.

    • 6

      Clip away severe knots or mats that you cannot separate with a mat splitter or scissor blade. To do this safely, place a fine-tooth comb between the dog's skin and the mat and carefully use a scissors to clip away the matted fur. To prevent any possible injury to your dog or if you cannot fit a comb between the mat and the skin, use an electric clipper to shave away the fur.

    • 7

      Comb through the coat after you remove all of the mats and knots in the fur with the steel comb. Follow this combing with the slicker brush to remove any remaining excess hair and smooth the coat.