A mat is a dense clump of tangled hair that tightens against the skin. Mats pull every time your dog moves, trap moisture and dirt, and can hide skin irritation and hot spots underneath. Small, fresh tangles can usually be worked out at home. Large or tight mats should be left to a groomer. This guide shows you how to tell the difference and how to remove small mats without hurting your dog.
Get your dog's personalized routine — take the free 1-min quizStart the Pawfile quiz →Where mats form
Mats form wherever hair rubs or stays damp: behind the ears, under the collar or harness, in the armpits, on the belly, between the back legs, on the tail and between the toes. Curly and doodle coats, silky long coats and dogs that swim often are the most prone.
Tools you'll need
- A metal comb with wide and narrow teeth (the most important tool)
- A slicker brush
- A detangling spray or a little dog conditioner
- Cornstarch, to help loosen dry tangles
- Treats, and a second person if your dog wiggles
Avoid using scissors near the skin. Matted hair pulls the skin up into the clump, and many groomer emergency visits come from owners accidentally cutting skin while trying to cut out a mat.
Tools from the Pawradise shop: Stainless Steel Grooming Comb (2-Pack) · Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
Mango's guides: a happy coat between grooms
Printable PDF guides from our groomers, with Mango as your coach. Instant download after checkout, anywhere in the US. English and Spanish editions included.
- Mango's Starter Kit: Brushing Guide + Calendar · $19.99 (best value)
- Mango's Between-Visits Brushing Guide · $14.99
- Mango's Grooming Calendar & Checklists · $7.99
How to remove a small mat, step by step
- Start with dry hair. Water tightens mats, so never bathe a matted dog before brushing.
- Spray the mat with detangler or work in a little cornstarch and let it sit for a minute.
- Hold the hair at the base, between the mat and the skin, so pulling doesn't reach your dog.
- Pick at the edges with the end tooth of the comb or your fingers, splitting the mat into smaller sections.
- Brush from the tip toward the skin with the slicker, a little at a time.
- Finish with the comb. If it slides from skin to tip, the mat is gone.
- Take breaks and reward often. Stop if your dog yelps, pulls away or the skin looks red.
When to stop and call a groomer
- The mat is flat and tight against the skin, like felt.
- Mats cover large areas, or the whole coat feels "pelted".
- The skin under the mat is red, wet, smelly or broken.
- Your dog is in pain or getting stressed.
In these cases the kindest option is usually a short shave-down, letting the coat grow back healthy. Brushing out heavy matting can take hours and hurt the dog. A good groomer will explain this before starting.
How to prevent mats
- Line brush curly and long coats 3 to 4 times a week: lift a section, brush the hair below to the skin, then move up.
- Always comb after brushing to find tangles the brush missed.
- Dry completely after baths, swims and rain. Damp coats mat fast in Florida humidity.
- Check friction spots daily: collar, harness, ears and armpits.
- Keep the coat a manageable length between grooms; a shorter cut like a puppy cut is easier to maintain.
- Book regular grooms, usually every 4 to 6 weeks for curly and silky coats.
The Pawfile quiz builds a brushing and grooming schedule for your dog's exact coat, so mats don't get a chance to form.
Get your dog's personalized routine — take the free 1-min quizStart the Pawfile quiz →Stop mats before they start. Mango's Between-Visits Brushing Guide ($14.99, printable PDF) shows the step-by-step brushing routine for your dog's coat type, where tangles hide and how to catch them before they turn into mats. Mango's Starter Kit ($19.99) adds the Grooming Calendar with a weekly brushing tracker and a 5-minute checklist, so the routine actually happens.
Dog mats FAQ
Can I cut mats out with scissors?
It's risky. Matted hair pulls skin into the clump, so it's easy to cut the skin. If you must, slide a comb between mat and skin first, or leave it to a groomer.
Should I bathe my dog before removing mats?
No. Water makes mats tighter. Brush and comb out tangles first, then bathe and dry completely.
Does coconut oil help remove mats?
A small amount can help loosen tangles, but it leaves the coat greasy. A detangling spray or dog conditioner is easier to wash out.
Why does my groomer want to shave my matted dog?
Brushing out heavy matting is painful and can damage skin. A shave-down is quicker and kinder, and the coat grows back.
How often should I brush to prevent mats?
Curly and long coats usually need line brushing 3 to 4 times a week, plus daily checks of friction spots.
How much does it cost to groom a matted dog?
It depends on the salon, your dog's size and how matted the coat is. Removing mats takes extra time and care, so a matted coat usually costs more than a regular groom, and severe matting is often safer and kinder to shave short and let grow back. Line brushing at home and a professional groom on a regular schedule are the cheapest way to avoid it. See what affects dog grooming prices. New to our Boca Raton salon? Get $10 off your first groom with code PAWFILE10 (teeth brushing is always included).
This guide offers general grooming information. For skin, ear, dental or coat problems that don't improve, talk to your veterinarian. More Pawfile guides.