Ways to safely remove mats from your dog

[Grooming Tips]

Removing hair mats is fraught with potential complications. Many mats are firmly attached to the skin, so you must be extremely careful not to cut the skin as you cut off the mat.

Begin by brushing and combing as much as possible. Many small mats can be removed with a thorough brushing. If mats remain, try to make the mat smaller by brushing the hair near the mat. Once you are sure that the mat can only be removed by cutting the hair, then go for the scissors.

         Clippers are safest and best way to remove matted hair. Unfortunately, most people do not       

          own clippers and must make do with scissors. Be very careful.

           Begin by isolating the mat.

                    Comb Method

• If possible, take a fine tooth comb and slide it between the mat and the skin. This will help prevent the skin from getting cut. If a fine tooth comb is not working, any comb will do.
  
  
• Once the comb is under the mat, cut the hair between the mat and the comb.
  
  Scissor Debulking Method
  
  
  • If you cannot place a comb between the skin and mat, open the scissors and carefully place one blade through the base of the mat.
    
    
  • Cut up and away from the skin. Do not cut in the same direction as the skin.
    
    
  • Cutting the mat upward will divide the mat and allow you to comb the rest of the mat away.
    
    Scissor Removal Method
    
    The safest way to trim the mat with scissors is also the slowest and most tedious.
    
    
  • Place one blade of the open scissors through a thin layer of hair near the base of the mat. Make sure you can see the scissor blade.
    
    
  • Slowly cut the hair, making sure there is no skin involved.
    
    
  • Continue to do this until the mat is removed.
    
    
  • Always make sure you can see the scissor blade through the hair.
    
    The best way to avoid cutting your pet's hair is to frequently groom her and not allow the mats to form.

[Wanda P]

I would really like to suggest, people use MANE AND TAIL conditioner and shampoo, I have bought high end shampoos, and conditioners. If Mats are really bad, and u do not groom ur own dog, take them to a groomer. DO NOT RISK CUTTING YOUR DOG. I have been grooming for 20 years, my hubby decided to sharpen my sizzers, I am grooming my yoda, he has pinkish,white skin, I reached under and felt a knot, and decided, it was ok to cut, WRONG. Yoda needed 6 stitches to close the gaping wound mommy left, to the tune of 245.00 .. I felt so bad, I was sick, (no judgement PLEASE), still until this day. If you can't see the skin, it safer to gradually groom the knot away. With grooming sheers,If nervous give them a bath with heavy mane and tale conditioner, massage the knot, rinse thoroughly , then there skin is pink, be careful, have someone help with arm pits, or have a pro do it!!

[Regina D.-PBP Event Admin]

Great suggestions. If you are not sure than it would be better to go to someone who does like maybe a groomer or your vet and advise you. 

[Wanda P]

Thats right and its also better for you to attempt to do it your self, give them treats as you groom new puppies. just start slowly. if you start with them young and be kind, they are less likely to need to be muzzeled. and we are not there when groomers are doing your dog, so we don;t know what they are doing.. its bonding thing that i love to do lelo loves it when its done!!

[Regina D.-PBP Event Admin]

So true. 

[Dooli]

I appreciate this information being posted here. Thank you.