How to De-Mat Dog Fur

A dog must be brushed every day to prevent mats in its fur. The mats are nests of tangled hair that have woven tightly together to create a mat. These mats are painful to the dog and can further cause soreness and redness to the skin due to lack of airflow to the skin. Dematting a dog must be performed carefully, either with a comb or scissors. In some cases, clippers may be used in lieu of scissors.

Things You'll Need

  • Fine-toothed comb
  • Scissors
  • Electric clippers (optional)
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Detangler
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Instructions

  1. Dogs with Typical Dog Fur

    • 1

      Count the number of mats on your dog. Assess the mat. There are different types of mats. There are large clumps of mat that are matted from top to bottom. There are mats that appear more like balls of fur in the midst of several strands. There are tight mats and loose mats. Identifying each mat will help you determine the best plan of action for removal.

    • 2

      Comb out the mats that are mats from end to end. These tightly compact mats often look more like wool pillows. Start at the bottom. Gently, but determinedly, pick through the mat until it is loosed. It can take a long time for this to occur and your dog may not be patient with you. Speak to your dog gently while you perform this process to maintain his willingness to endure your insistence that he be groomed.

    • 3

      Apply scissors to mats behind the ear. The ear is too sensitive a location to spend hours combing through. Feel for the base of the mat. Bend over your dog with your dog facing you so that you are cutting away from him. Pinch above the mat with your fingers to protect your dog's skin. Cut the mat swiftly, but carefully.

    • 4

      Use electric clippers to shave large matted areas that do not respond to combing. To prevent matting as the fur grows out, comb this area daily.

    For Yorkies and Special Coats

    • 5

      Shampoo and condition your Yorkie's fur. Spray a dog fur detangler throughout the dog's coat.

    • 6

      Comb through the wet fur. Pay special attention to matted areas. Take special care to comb from the bottom of the mat to top. It may take several minutes to untangle the mat.

    • 7

      Cut the mat from the Yorkie's fur if it does not respond to careful combing. Pinch the hair above the mat if possible. Cut between the mat and the fingers to protect your dog's skin. If the mat is too close to the skin, use electric clippers to shave off the mat.

    • 8

      Prevent tangling by frequently brushing through the fur.