TIPS

How to Detangle Matted Dog Fur Without Causing Pain: A Step-by-Step Guide

BY HEUSOM

Dec 30, 2025

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Key Takeaways

Mats form when loose fur gets tangled and tightens over time—common in long-haired and curly breeds
Never cut mats out with scissors—it's easy to nick the skin underneath
Work from the ends of the fur toward the skin, not the other way around
A good detangling spray makes a big difference by softening the fur and reducing friction
Patience is everything—rushing leads to pain and a dog who hates grooming

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Why Dogs Get Matted Fur

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Mats happen when loose fur tangles together and tightens into clumps. The more your dog moves, the tighter they get.

Some dogs are more prone to it than others. Breeds with long, curly, or double coats—like Poodles, Doodles, Shih Tzus, and Golden Retrievers—tend to mat more easily.

Common causes:

Not brushing often enough
Moisture (after baths, rain, or swimming)
Friction areas (behind ears, under collar, armpits, back legs)
Shedding season when loose fur gets trapped

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Which Breeds Are Most Prone to Matting?

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Some coats just mat more than others. If you've got one of these breeds, regular brushing is a must:

Poodles and Poodle mixes (Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, etc.)
Shih Tzus
Maltese
Bichon Frise
Cocker Spaniels
Golden Retrievers
Collies and Shelties
Any dog with a long, curly, or double coat

Short-haired breeds like Beagles or Boxers rarely deal with mats. Lucky them.

Different breeds need different amounts of exercise—there's no one-size-fits-all answer.
High energy breeds like border collies and huskies can need 2+ hours of activity per day.
Lower energy breeds like bulldogs and basset hounds are happy with short walks and lots of naps.
Age matters too—puppies and senior dogs have different needs than adults.

What You'll Need

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Before you start, gather your tools:

A detangling spray
A slicker brush
A metal comb
Treats (for keeping your dog happy)
Patience

Having everything ready means you won't have to stop halfway through and lose your dog's cooperation.

Step 1: Prep the Matted Area

Start by spraying the mat with a detangling spray. Let it sit for a minute or two—this softens the fur and adds slip so you're not pulling on dry tangles.

Then use your fingers to gently loosen the outer edges. Don't yank. Think "teasing it apart" not "ripping it out."

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Step 2: Brush It Out the Right Way

Always work from the ends of the fur toward the skin. Not the other way around.

Going root to tip pulls directly on the skin and hurts. Starting at the tips lets you work through the tangle gradually.

Use a slicker brush in short, gentle strokes. Hold the base of the fur near the skin with your other hand so you're not tugging.

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Step 3: Finish and Check

Once the mat feels loose, run a metal comb through to make sure all the tangles are gone. If the comb catches, go back with the brush.

When it glides through smoothly, you're done with that section.

Don't forget to reward your dog. Treats, praise, belly rubs—whatever makes them happy. You want grooming to be a good experience.

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What NOT to Do

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A few common mistakes that make things worse:

Don't use scissors – Mats sit close to the skin. It's very easy to cut your dog by accident.
Don't pull or yank – If it's not coming loose, add more spray and keep working gently.
Don't try to demat a soaking wet dog – Wet fur tightens mats. Let the coat dry first, or use a spray on damp fur.
Don't do it all in one session if your dog is stressed – Break it up. A calm dog is easier to groom than a panicked one.

How to Prevent Mats in the First Place

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Prevention is easier than fixing mats after they form:

Brush regularly (every 2-3 days for long coats)
Dry your dog thoroughly after baths or swimming
Pay extra attention to friction spots—behind ears, armpits, collar area
Keep up with professional grooming every 6-8 weeks for high-maintenance coats

A few minutes of brushing now saves a lot of detangling later.

Which Dogs Do Fine With a Dremel?

Some dogs genuinely don't care about the noise. Your dog might be a good Dremel candidate if they:

Don't react to vacuums, hair dryers, or loud appliances
Stay calm during storms or fireworks
Have had neutral or positive nail trim experiences
Are generally confident and not easily startled

Not sure if your dog is getting enough? Watch for these:

For these dogs, the Dremel's speed can actually be helpful—you get done faster.

Safety: Is One Safer Than the Other?

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Both are safer than clippers when it comes to avoiding the quick. Grinders file down gradually instead of cutting, so you're less likely to take off too much.

A few things to keep in mind with either type:

Heat buildup – any grinder can get warm if you hold it on the nail too long. Work in short bursts (3-5 seconds), then pause.
Fur catching – long fur around the paws can get caught in the spinning head. Trim it back or hold it aside.
Pressure – you don't need to press hard. Let the grinder do the work.

These apply to both Dremels and quiet grinders. The tool isn't the safety issue—technique is.

So Which One Should You Get?

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It depends on your dog.

A quiet grinder might be better if:

Your dog is anxious, noise-sensitive, or has had bad nail experiences
You want a calmer grooming session
You'd rather have a peaceful trim than a fast one

A Dremel might be better if:

Your dog is anxious, noise-sensitive, or has had bad nail experiences
You want a calmer grooming session
You'd rather have a peaceful trim than a fast one

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Think About Hair Type

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I brush my dog to prevent mats?

For long or curly coats, every 2-3 days is ideal. Short-haired breeds can go longer between brushing.

Can I just cut the mat out?

It's risky. Mats sit tight against the skin and it's easy to cut your dog. If a mat is too tight to brush out, a professional groomer can shave it safely.

What's the best type of brush for matted fur?

A slicker brush works well for most mats. For tighter tangles, a dematting comb or rake can help.

Does detangling spray actually work?

Yes—it softens the fur and adds slip, which makes it easier to work through tangles without pulling.

My dog hates being brushed. What can I do?

Start slow. Short sessions, lots of treats. Let them sniff the brush. Build up to longer grooming over time.