Blog
Best Way to Clean Muddy Dog Paws
If your pup has just returned from a mucky outdoor adventure and is proudly sporting a fresh coat of mud on their paws, you may not be thrilled by the thought of the mess that’s about to enter your home!
We’ve all been there. Your dog’s just living their best life, rolling in the grass and snoozing on the couch, when suddenly you spot it. A mat. Maybe two. Maybe a whole mat party! Immediately, you start to wonder how to get mats out of dog hair.
Letting mats build up isn’t just a bad hair day. According to Giulia D’Ignazio, a professional dog groomer, one of the biggest mistakes pet owners make when trying to remove mats from their dog’s fur is not realizing how close it is to the skin and hurting the dog. Mats can be painful, leading to skin irritation and even infections.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to gently remove mats without turning it into a wrestling match, which tools work best, and how to prevent future mats from taking over your dog’s coat.
n n
Why Does Dog Hair Get Matted?
n
Mats can sneak into your dog’s coat for many different reasons, and some breeds are more prone to them than others. Long-haired or curly-haired pups, for example, are more likely to develop mats due to their hair’s tendency to twist and tangle. If you’ve got a fluffy pup, you’re probably already familiar with the struggle!
n n 
n
n Unique Recipe Based On Natural Ingredients
n n n Shop Now n n n 
n
n Your Pet Is In Reliable Hands!
Giulia points out that all dog breeds can mat if not properly taken care of. Regular brushing should be part of most dogs’ care routine, even if it is only once a week, to remove any tangles.
Water-loving dogs are particularly at risk. Moisture left on your dog’s coat causes the fur to clump together and potentially form mats. And let’s not forget the friction that can come from collars, harnesses, or even their favorite spot on the couch. All that rubbing can lead to some unexpected matting, especially around the neck and chest.
n
How to Get Mats Out of Dog Hair
n
Before you dive in with your brush, take a moment to assess the situation. Not all mats are created equal, and how you handle them depends on how severe they are.
n
Start by gently feeling the mat with your fingers. If the mat is loose and only lightly tangled, you can likely remove it at home with a little patience. But if you’re dealing with tight, close-to-skin mats that have been building up for a while, it might be time to consult a professional groomer. These mats can be tricky and sometimes even painful to remove, especially if they’re pulling on your dog’s skin.
n n
Bestseller Products
n n 
n n Add to comparen n
Advance Adult Dry Cat Food Salmon
n Dry Food n $78.21 – $253.35Price range: $78.21 through $253.35n Our food is made with the highest quality ingredients to provide complete and balanced nutrition and ensure your friend is looked after as well as they possibly could be! n n n Add to wishlistn n Select options n This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page n n 
n 
n n Add to comparen n
Advantage Green for Small Dog
n Flea & Tick n $100.99n Complete dry food with lamb and rice for adult dogs of small and miniature breeds weighing up to 10 kg and aged 1 to 6 years. n n n Add to wishlistn n Add to cart n 
n n Add to comparen n
Advantage Small Cat Flea Pipette
n Flea, Tick & Worming n Original price was: $78.97.$45.01Current price is: $45.01.n If symptoms reappear repeat original dose. Discontinue use when symptoms subside n n n Add to wishlistn n Add to cart n 
n n Add to comparen n
Advocate Orange For Small Cat
n Flea, Tick & Worming n $72.19n If symptoms reappear repeat original dose. Discontinue use when symptoms subside n n n Add to wishlistn n Add to cart n 
n n Add to comparen n
All Day Basic Cat Scratch Post
n Trea n $29.00n If symptoms reappear repeat original dose. Discontinue use when symptoms subside n n n Add to wishlistn n Add to cart n 
n n Add to comparen n
All Day Speckle Wave Cardboard Cat Scratcher Pink
n Pads n $11.99n If symptoms reappear repeat original dose. Discontinue use when symptoms subside n n n Add to wishlistn n Add to cart n
Giulia reminds us that if your finger doesn’t fit between the mat and the skin, it must be removed professionally. A good groomer can safely cut and de-mat the hair without causing harm.
Matted dog fur doesn’t have to be a hairy situation! The key is to address mats early, use the right tools and techniques, and stay on top of grooming to keep your pup’s coat in tip-top shape. Remember, prevention is always better than a cure, so a regular brushing routine goes a long way in keeping those tangles at bay.
n
Gather the Right Tools
n
To tackle mats safely, you need the right tools for the job. Here’s what you want to have on hand:
n
- n
- n Detangling spray: A good detangling spray can work wonders to loosen stubborn mats and make the hair more manageable. A deodorizing spray can also help, like. n
- n Wide-tooth comb, slicker brush, and mat-splitting tool: These are your best friends for gently working through tangles without causing pain. The wide-tooth comb helps to ease through the hair without pulling, while the mat-splitting tool targets tighter mats. The slicker brush makes brushing out the loosened mat a breeze n
- n Scissors (for severe mats): If the mats are severe and you’re unable to loosen them, you may need to carefully trim them out. Always use blunt-ended scissors to avoid accidentally cutting your dog’s skin. n
- n Grooming wipes for post-detangling care: After you’ve finished, grooming wipes can help clean up any loose hair and keep your dog’s coat feeling fresh. n
n
n
n
n
n n n 
n 2878n 978n n 
n 4601n 305n n 
n 4187n 112n n 
n 1307n 992n n 
n 1317n 33n n 
n 3726n 833n n 
n 9559n 719n n 
n 1725n 846