Dematting Tools for Dogs

Mats -- stubborn clumps of knotted fur -- often form between a dog's toes and around its ears. Without regular brushing and grooming, mats can form all over the dog's coat. Removing mats is necessary for superficial, comfort and health reasons: tangled fur detracts from a dog's appearance, leads to skin irritations and feels unpleasant to dogs and the humans who pet them. You can remove mats with a variety of tools available in pet stores.

  1. Detangling Pet Spray

    • Spraying mats with a detangling spray can lubricate and loosen them, facilitating the detangling process. Use a pet spray labeled for use with dogs, as human detangling products can irritate dog skin.

    Mat Removing Combs

    • Mat removing combs have straight metal bristles meant to work through moderate tangles. To use the mat removing comb, gently work through the tangle from the tip of the fur to the root. If the mat removing comb proves ineffective, you will need to use a dematting rake or scissors.

    Dematting Rake

    • Dematting rakes have thick, hooked bristles meant to cut through stubborn mats that regular dog combs can't get through. To use a dematting rake, work through your pet's mats with a gentle raking motion. The tool will remove large clumps of hair without hurting the dog.

    Scissors

    • Severely matted fur may be impossible to comb out without hurting your dog. If the dog's mat is obviously too difficult to untangle, or if your dog squeals or expresses discomfort while you're attempting to remove a mat, you will need to cut it out with a pair of sharp scissors.

    Dematting Tips

    • Professional groomers may experience soreness or injury when performing repetitive detangling actions. To avoid this problem, use ergonomic combs and rakes with thick rubber grips that fit your palm. When using multiple combs, start with the coarser tools and work up to the finer-toothed combs to finish the grooming job.