Matted Dog Hair: Best Way To Get Rid Of It
As guardians of our fuzzy friends, we are always a little concerned for the best of their health. Maintaining their fur coat is essential to their well-being and health. When their coat becomes matted, it’s not just an issue for you as a caretaker but a little dangerous for your dog and its health.
What is Matted Dog Hair?
A mat is when your dog’s fur becomes so tangled it’s just a solid clump, unlike soft free hair, easy to comb through. In extreme cases, it can become unhealthy for your dog. They may cause intense discomfort and irritation to their skin. Extreme matting may stop the natural temperature regulation of a dog and hide harmful parasites that may cause infection. None of these are what we wish for our darling pets.
Matting usually occurs when friction happens, such as under the joints. Friction causes the hair to tangle and knot over time if proper care is not given. Here, you will learn what makes a dog’s coat mat and the best way to detangle it. We will also recommend the best shampoo for matted dog hair, which will help you soften and protect your dog’s fur from further damage.
How Does Matted Dog Hair Happen?
Vets and experts deem various factors go into a dog’s hair matting.
- It can be the particular hair type of your dog, such as curly or fine-textured hair. For dogs with curly hair or double coats, it is easier for their hair to mat.
- It can be due to the seasonal shedding periods when dogs switch coats from winter to summer or vice versa.
- Water is also a big factor in causing mats since it tightens and binds the hair together. Drying your dog’s coat post-bath is necessary.
- However, the most crucial factor that becomes the cause for mats is irregular brushing or no brushing at all. Responsible owners brush their paw-friend’s hair often to prevent matted fur.
It is essentially the grime and dirt that keeps the knots glued together. Getting rid of all that nasty stuff becomes the top priority. Matted hair in your dog cannot be brushed down unless it is still in an earlier stage.
How to Prevent Matted Dog Hair?
A good responsible guardian makes it a habit to care for their dog’s coat. Brushing your dog’s coat regularly is essential in preventing matted hair. However, the most common mistake you can make is only brushing the top layer of your hair, which can cause the tangles underneath the top coat to become worse.
This is common among breeds of dogs with double coats. Look for a brush for double coats, such as an undercoat rake. Brush thoroughly through their coat, making sure to go over areas where it is most likely for friction to happen.
Make sure to dry off your fur friend’s coat thoroughly if it becomes wet or after you’ve given a bath. Prolonged dampness can make the matting worse. Using shampoos or leave-in conditioners that keep your dog’s coat clean and soft is the next best solution to preventing knots or tangles.
Visit your nearest grooming facility frequently. Keep up with the grooming sessions to prevent your dog’s hair from matting worse, and catch it in an early stage to get rid of it.
How to Get Rid of Matted Dog Hair?
If your dog’s hair is already matted, worry not! Here’s how to rid of it.
The best solution to matted dog hair is investing in a good, trustworthy product to help detangle. A shampoo that is made with the sole purpose of gently breaking down the knots is the most responsible investment you can make for the well-being of your dog.
You can simply cut the matting off. However, mattings sometimes become too close to the skin, causing the risk of cutting your dog’s skin, in case you were to simply cut it off. There are also cases where the skin underneath the coat becomes so sensitive and weak that you might risk causing abrasions or severe irritation. Get a professional grooming appointment. A professional groomer will expertly navigate the matting, shaving it off without hurting your dog.
How To Choose The Best Shampoo to Get Rid of Matted Dog Hair?
Research thoroughly! Consult your vet in case you’re concerned for your dog’s health. Take advice from professional groomers if they are available around you. The Internet is the best place to find experts (just be careful and look through their credentials).
Be mindful of your dog’s particular needs when selecting a shampoo. Look for reputable manufacturers who follow a standard while making their products. Follow good ingredients and gentle formulas to choose the best available for you. Consider going through a checklist and shortlist those that fall within your budget.
Here’s a quick list of what makes a shampoo THE best:
⦁ Gentle formula meant for sensitive skin
⦁ Conditioning and moisturizing ingredients to help break down knots and tangles
⦁ Potent ingredients that penetrate deep into the hair to prevent breakage
⦁ Breaks down dirt and oils that are causing the hair to mat
⦁ Safe and certified ingredients
⦁ Restores and protects your dog’s hair
⦁ Reviews! Look for good reviews from fellow paw-parents
Dos And Don’ts of Getting Rid of Matted Dog Hair?
It may look intimidating, once your dog’s coat becomes matted. Concerned owners will immediately become worried about the well-being of their dogs. Look for an option to not immediately cut it. Instead, go through these dos and don’ts and ensure the safety of your dog.
DOs
- Get advice from your Vet or visit the nearest grooming facility
- Look for a gentle conditioner or moisturizing shampoo to help break down the grime
- Find a reliable detangler brush to get through the knots or special grooming clippers
DON’Ts
- Do not rush into trying to wash it down with just water. Water can make those tangle even tighter
- Avoid shaving it off on your own in case the matting is too close to the skin
- Do not use scissors! You can injure your dog (unless you’re professionally trained)
Ultimately, prevention is better than cure. Keep up with the brushing and caring for your dog’s coat. Use conditioning shampoos that loosen the hair for easier brush out. Stay well connected with a professional groomer and take frequent advice on how to take good care of your dog’s coat. Happy detangling to you! May your furbaby live a long healthy dog life.
