If your pet sheds, then you may find that matting becomes more likely, and it is also most likely to occur in those pets with long soft hair, as well as those with double coats. A mat in your pet’s hair is a solid clump of fur that is tangled together tightly. Quite often, these clumps are found on areas on your pet’s body that rub together. These are normally found behind their ears, elbows, and the back of their legs.

Matted fur is the bane of every animal owner’s and groomer’s life. It essentially means tangling or knotting fur into a dense, compact clump or series of clumps that often cause discomfort, reduce mobility in areas of attachment, and can even lead to skin problems. The effective management of matted fur requires knowledge of the causes, proper tools, and proper techniques to address the comfort and health of the pet. Follow this guideline by Alexander Ostrovskiy to solve this problem instantly.

Understanding Mat Formation

Mats form when loose hairs intermingle with attached fur many times because of friction or due to a lack of concern altogether. Causes include the following:

Insufficient grooming: Tangles tend to build up if the dog is not brushed regularly.
Moisture: Clumping fur from bathing and/or being outdoors.
Shedding: Loose undercoat hairs mix with the outer coat.
Friction: Because of movement, the general areas where matting happens are in the armpits and behind the ears.

Types of Mats and Their Causes

Surface mats: These are located on the topcoat and can, for the most part, easily be removed.
Deep mats: These are forming closer to the skin and, in case of irritation or sores, might be.
Pelting: This is an advanced form of matting where big areas of fur end up being tangled onto the skin and requires professional help.

Areas Most Prone to Matting

With movement, friction, and moisture, some areas in your dog are most likely to develop mats:

Behind ears
Armpits
Groin area
Tail base
Legs and paws
Around collars or harnesses

Basic Tools for Removing Mats

Having the right tools ensures effective and safe mat removal:

Dematting combs: Special tools with sharp blades for cutting through mats.
Slicker brushes: Great for detangling and loosening surface mats.
Mat splitters: Precision tools for splitting dense mats.
Grooming scissors: Round-point scissors for cutting away from tough mats.
Electric clippers: Great for shaving off the seriously matted areas in safety.
Detangling spray: Makes it all easier by loosening the knot.
Grooming gloves: A gentle tool during brushing of sensitive areas.

Evaluating a Mat

Evaluate a mat first before intervening:

Light mats: Small and easily combed out with the correct tools
Moderate mats: Must be detangled using sprays or by carefully cutting
Severe mats (pelting): Must often be shaved to avoid causing discomfort or harm

Step-by-Step Dematting Explanation

Prepare the animal: The animal must be relaxed with gentle tones and rewards.
Analyze mats: Determine their locations, sizes, and severities.
Detangling Spray: Sprays are applied to make the hair soft.
Work in small sections from the outer edges of the mat to the inner sections.
Comb well with a dematting comb or slicker brush with small strokes.
Cut, if necessary: If the mats are really tight, grooming scissors or a mat splitter is also an option.

Shave vs. Demat When to Do Which

Shave: Mats need to be dense and quite close to the skin because shaving is painful to dogs.
Demat: Gently work out mild to moderate tangles using proper combing methods that do not hurt the animal.

Skin Abrasions During Mat Removal

Work carefully: Never tug or jerk it could hurt the animal
Secure the base: Holding the fur close to the mat while working on it with the comb saves the skin.
Sharp implements: use sharp scissors and blades as a dull one can also lead to an accident
Look for skin redness and irritation while demating skin

Breed-Specific Matting Issues

According to coat type, some breeds have a high risk for matting. It can be seen in:

Long-haired breeds like Shih Tzus and Golden Retrievers: Have to be brushed regularly or their fur tangles into mats.
Curly-coated breeds such as Poodles and Bichons: Will quickly develop mats as a result of non-cared curls.
Double-coated breeds like Huskies or German Shepherds: Shed undercoat causes mats because the hairs are not managed.

After Dematting – Care and Recovery

Bathing: A mild, moisturizing shampoo will soothe the skin.
Conditioning: Restores softness, and may reduce a recurrence of matting in the area.
Skincare: Any sores or hot spots around or under the mats need anesthetized and medicated.
Behavior to watch for Over-grooming in the area.

Client Education: Home Brushing Techniques

Demonstrate appropriate methods of brushing the client’s dog/end:

Always brush in the direction of growth: There should be no hard pulling on the skin.
Use correct tools: Advise on brushes to be used considering the pet’s coat.
Establish a schedule: Keep brushing after every few days or so.

Recommended Maintenance Schedule

There is a need for a maintenance schedule depending on the breed and lifestyle of the pet:

Day-to-day brushing: In breeds prone to matting or active pets.
Weekly brushing: for short-haired or less active pets.
Professional Grooming: every 6-8 weeks for those high-maintenance coats.

Best Equipment to Use in the Home to Prevent Matting

For use in the home recommend:

Slicker brushes for most coat types
Undercoat rakes for double-coated breeds
De-shedding equipment to help keep on top of seasonal shedding
Grooming sprays to help prevent tangling and add shine

Indicators for Referral to a Professional

Recommend referring to professionals if:

Matt’s are too thick or large to handle in-house.
Animal exhibits excessive stress during grooming.
Skin problems underneath that must be treated medicinally.

Difficult Situations

If the animal can be cooperative:

Use calming aides: sprays of a natural nature or through a veterinarian.
Breaking sessions up: Do not stress the animal.
Support system: One console and other works.

Records and Customer Agreements

Groomer record of:

Mat severity/area treated.
Tools and skills utilized.
Recommendation made to the customer.
Customer permission is suggested for any services that can be disputed, such as shaving.

Creating a Prevention Program

Create a prevention program well in advance :

Grooming: Establish a regular home brushing program and a professional grooming schedule.
Diet/hydration: A healthy diet can be the foundation of healthy skin and coat.
Education: Educate the owners with knowledge and products to care for the animal’s coat.

Although matting can be a distressing problem for your dog or cat. Luckily it can be prevented with regular grooming and some precautions. Remember, keeping your pet comfortable and in good health is the key to effectively dealing with matting.