How to Prevent and Deal with Matting in Dogs

Matted fur isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it can cause real discomfort and health problems for your dog. At Dogology Grooming in Ann Arbor, Michigan, we see firsthand how quickly tangles and knots can turn into painful mats. Fortunately, with regular grooming and preventative care, matting can be avoided. Here’s what every dog parent needs to know.

Why Matting Happens

Matting occurs when loose hair, dirt, and oils tangle together and form tight knots in your dog’s coat. Certain breeds with longer or curlier coats are more prone, but matting can happen to any dog. Common causes include:

• Skipping regular brushing

• Moisture trapped in the coat after baths or swimming

• Seasonal shedding

• Long gaps between grooming appointments

The Consequences of Matting

Mats are more than just unsightly—they can lead to serious issues, including:

• Skin irritation and hot spots from trapped moisture and lack of airflow

• Pain and discomfort as mats pull tightly on the skin

• Restricted movement if mats form in sensitive areas like armpits or joints

• Infections or parasites hiding beneath dense mats

Left untreated, severe matting may require shaving the coat very short to relieve the dog’s skin and prevent further issues.

How Dogology Grooming Helps Prevent Matting

At Dogology Grooming, we focus on coat health as much as appearance. Our services help prevent matting by:

• Performing thorough brushing and comb-outs during every grooming session

• Using gentle, high-quality shampoos and conditioners to keep coats manageable

• Checking high-risk areas (ears, armpits, behind the legs) for tangles

• Teaching owners proper at-home brushing techniques

How to Prevent Mats at Home

There are some key tools to have on hand at home if your dog is prone to matting. They include:

• A slicker brush: This style brush is the best for line-brushing, a technique that ensures that you have gone over the entire coat and left no mats behind!

• A metal comb, called a Greyhound Comb: A metal comb is perfect for checking that you have separated all tangles all the way to the skin.

• Detangling spray: Using a conditioning spray before brushing helps break up the tangles and prevent some hair breakage.

Bath Club: The Easy Way to Stay Ahead of Mats

One of the best ways to prevent matting is consistent grooming—and our Bath Club membership makes it simple. Bath Club provides regular, discounted bathing and brushing appointments, ensuring your dog’s coat stays clean, tangle-free, and healthy all year long.

By spreading out care between full grooming appointments, Bath Club keeps your pup’s coat in top condition, reduces shedding, and makes grooming less stressful overall.

Keeping Your Dog Comfortable and Healthy

Matting is preventable with the right routine. By combining at-home brushing, professional grooming, and Dogology’s Bath Club, your dog can enjoy a comfortable, healthy coat every day.

Bottom line: Don’t wait for mats to cause problems—prevent them with regular care from the experts at Dogology Grooming.

👉 Want to keep your dog mat-free? Join our Bath Club or book a grooming appointment at Dogology Grooming in Ann Arbor today!