07/21/2026
Hi friends! This is a hard topic to discuss. We need to talk about matting.
What is matting?
In the simplest form, matting occurs when hair or fur tangles together in tight knots. This is not a cosmetic issue - it is a medical concern that causes immense pain and discomfort to your pet. Individual hair shafts create a structure of woven fibers that causes the strands to barb together if not correctly maintained.
Why is matting so serious?
Unresolved matting can cause restricted circulation, painful skin irritation, and hide potential medical issues such as infections, parasites, and underlying injuries. In most severe cases, matting so extensive can cause open flesh wounds that can be fatal if not caught. Some pets can lose blood flow to their limbs which leaves amputation as their only option.
How can I identify matting?
Run your fingers through your pet’s coat in the most high density areas to start - belly/sanitary, behind ears, tail, and legs. Your hand should be able to easily glide through the coat to the skin without being caught. I then suggest using a low power dryer for a closer look. If there are clumps of hair sitting against the skin, you are observing matting. You should also be able to pull a fine-tooth metal comb through your pets coat to the skin without resistance.
What can I do if my pet has matting?
With extensive matting there is only one humane option which is to clip underneath the mats close to the skin and release the tight circulation. Not only does this prevent the potential for injury by using a very short blade with minimal space between the “teeth”, but it ensures the hair follicle can grow back healthier and easier to maintain. When you try to “de-mat”, you are causing micro-tears in the hair follicle that make the coat more prone to matting in the future.
I am going to be entirely blunt here:
If you are attempting to de-mat your dog for aesthetic purposes or are trying to find a groomer that will, that is CRUELTY. Causing discomfort to an animal purely for your vanity is never excused.
However, I will always provide the most amount of grace towards pet owners who have not been properly educated on matting and may have been taught harmful grooming methods. It is not your fault.
The grooming industry is not regulated and you will get conflicting information from various sources.
Please trust me that not only is my information always science-based, the advice I give will always be with your pet’s best intention in mind because that is my job.
And admittedly - at 16, I had my 7 month doodle groomed for the first time. We’ve all been there. 🫣 This is a safe space to learn and grow if you want to love and understand your pet like I do. ❤️
Kiss your fuzzy friends for me - and grab that brush and comb! 🐾
