The Problem With Matting In Dogs

The Problem With Matting In Dogs

Why fluffy doesn’t always mean healthy, and what you can do about it.

At first glance, a matted dog might look cute and extra fluffy—like a living teddy bear. But beneath that soft exterior can lie a world of discomfort, pain, and potential health issues for your furry friend.

At Doggy Dayspa, your local mobile dog groomer in Thornlands and logan, we see the effects of matting in dogs all the time—and trust us, it’s more than just a grooming issue. Here’s why it matters and what we do to help.

What is Matting in Dogs?

The Problem With Matting In Dogs - Matting occurs when loose, dead hair tangles together and becomes tightly packed against your dog’s skin. It’s common in breeds with curly, long, or double coats—think Cavoodles, Shih Tzus, Golden Retrievers, and Poodles.

Left untreated, matting can rapidly worsen, creating dense, tight knots that are nearly impossible to brush out without causing pain.

Why Matting is More Than Just a "Bad Hair Day"

Matting isn’t just unsightly—it can seriously impact your dog’s health. Here’s how:

🩸 Restricted Blood Flow

Tight mats pull on the skin and restrict circulation, which can lead to bruising, inflammation, and in some cases, skin dying beneath the knot. Yes—it’s as awful as it sounds.

🧨 Hematomas & Sores

The constant tension and friction can result in open sores or hematomas (pockets of blood under the skin). These are painful and may require veterinary treatment.

🦟 A Parasite Playground

Mats are the perfect hiding place for fleas, ticks, and even maggots. Since the skin is hidden, these pests can go unnoticed while causing serious irritation or infection.

How to Remove Matting in Dogs – The Doggy Dayspa Way

Removing mats isn’t as simple as running a brush through the fur. At Doggy Dayspa, we approach this with care, compassion, and the right tools.

We use a short blade to gently work between the skin and the mat, carefully lifting it without slicing or hurting the dog. It’s slow, delicate work—especially when mats are close to sensitive areas like the ears, armpits, or tail.

Because the process:

• Takes extra time

• Carries higher risk

• Requires patience and precision

We charge an additional $15 per matted area. This helps us maintain the high standard of care your pup deserves while covering the additional labour involved.

How to Prevent Matting in Dogs

Good news—it’s preventable! Here are a few ways to stay ahead of the mats:

✅ Regular brushing (especially after swimming or baths) ✅ Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks ✅ Drying thoroughly after baths ✅ Keeping to a low-maintenance coat length for curly or high-maintenance breeds

And of course, if in doubt—call us! We'll be honest with you and help get your dog back to their fluffy, happy self.

Final Woof on The Problem With Matting In Dogs with Doggy Dayspa

Matting is more than a messy coat—it’s a silent health hazard. At Doggy Dayspa, we treat every matted dog with care, respect, and expert technique. If your pup’s fur has gotten away from you (no judgement—we get it!), book in today and let us take care of it the right way.

💬 Got questions about your dog's coat? Message us anytime for advice or to book a grooming session!