How to Get Rid of Matted Dog Hair on Ears

Unlike a cat, which fastidiously cleans itself on a daily basis, a dog needs a little help with grooming. Bathing, brushing and hair cutting are routines that dog owners find themselves doing regularly. One problem that is common to long-haired pets is mats, or clumps of fur, that form within the fur itself. Mats form when a dog gets their coat dirty (such as being outside) or when they haven't been brushed routinely. The mats can form anywhere, even on the ears. Getting rid of matted hair on a dog's ears requires the use of special grooming tools designed to cut through and eliminate the mats.

Things You'll Need

  • Slicker brush
  • Detangling comb
  • Detangling solution
  • Mat rake
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush the dog's ears with a slicker brush in the direction of growth to find out the amount and severity of the matted clumps of hair. Use caution when brushing the ears, trying not to tug too hard when brushing.

    • 2

      Try to remove the mats through the use of a fine-tooth comb, such as a detangling comb. Spray a detangling solution on the ear hair to see if that loosens the matted clumps of hair.

    • 3

      Use a specially designed mat rake for more serious matted hair clumps. Brush downward and try to cut through the clump with the rake.

    • 4

      Use the detangling comb and secure the clump between the teeth of the comb. Use scissors to cut the clump away beneath the comb.