Mats are a common concern for many pet owners. They can be uncomfortable for your pet and make grooming harder. Understanding why mats form is the first step in preventing them.
What are Mats and Why Do They Form?
Mats happen when loose, dead hair gets tangled up with healthy hair. These tangles become tighter and tighter, forming dense clumps close to the skin. Think of it like a knot in a piece of string that keeps getting pulled tighter.
Several things make mats worse. Friction from collars, harnesses, or even your pet’s own movement can cause hair to rub together and knot. Moisture, like rain or bathwater, can also tighten existing tangles. If a coat is not brushed often enough, loose hair simply stays in the coat and has more chances to tangle.
Some breeds are more prone to matting than others. Pets with long, curly, or double coats often need more attention to prevent mats.
Common Places Mats Appear
Mats tend to form in areas where there is a lot of movement or rubbing. You might find them:
- Behind the ears
- In the armpits
- Around the groin area
- Under the chin
- On the tail
- Wherever a collar or harness sits
These spots are often overlooked during a quick brush, but they are crucial areas to check regularly.
The Importance of Regular Brushing
Regular brushing is the best defense against mats. It removes loose hair before it can tangle. It also helps to distribute natural skin oils, which keeps the coat healthier.
How often you need to brush depends on your pet’s coat type. Long-haired or curly-coated pets might need daily brushing. Shorter coats might do well with a few times a week.
Using the right tools makes a big difference. For pets with long coats, a metallic brush with extra long tines can help reach deep into the coat and prevent tangles from forming close to the skin. Follow up with a good comb to check for any missed spots.
Bathtime and Mats
Never bathe a pet with existing mats. Water makes mats shrink and tighten, pulling on the skin and causing discomfort. Always brush out your pet thoroughly before bathing. Make sure there are no tangles left.
After shampooing, use a conditioner. A good conditioner helps to smooth the hair cuticles, making them less likely to tangle as they dry. You can also use a leave-in conditioner like Jealousy after the bath to help keep the coat smooth and hydrated between full grooming sessions.
Drying Properly to Prevent Mats
How you dry your pet after a bath is just as important as how you wash them. After towel drying, avoid rubbing the coat vigorously. This can create new tangles. Instead, gently blot the coat to remove excess water.
Then, use a pet-safe dryer on a cool or low heat setting. Brush the coat as you dry it, section by section. Make sure the coat is completely dry all the way to the skin. Any dampness left behind can encourage mats to form.
When to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, mats can become too severe to remove at home. If a mat is tight against the skin, large, or causing your pet pain, it is best to consult a professional groomer. They have the right tools and experience to safely remove severe matting without hurting your pet. Trying to cut out severe mats at home can be dangerous and lead to accidental cuts or injuries to your pet’s skin.