How to Prevent Matting

When your dog plays and rolls around, it is normal for its fur to get tangles in it. These small tangles can accumulate dirt, grass, and other debris. As time goes by the tangles grow larger into mats, which can cause your pet great discomfort. If a mat gets wet, it tends to tighten up, becoming nearly impossible to remove without cutting it out. With proper care and maintenance, you can prevent bothersome mats on your pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Comb
  • Slicker brush
  • De-matting tool
  • Scissors
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Brush your pet's fur on a routine basis, at least three times a week. Begin with the most susceptible areas for matting, which are behind the ears, under the belly, under the legs, in the groin area, and by the base of the tail.

    • 2

      Comb through the fur to be sure all tangles are removed. Brushing the fur alone may not get totally down to the skin, which is imperative in reducing and preventing mats.

    • 3

      Remove tangles before they become mats using a mat splitter or other de-matting tool that you can purchase at pet stores. Hold the tangle in your fingers to reduce the pressure on your dog and slowly pick and cut through it. Follow up with the comb. Continue the process until you can easily comb out the tangle.