It can be a bit scary when you are looking for dog grooming tools for matted hair because some look dangerous. And some of them can be if used incorrectly. In this article, I will review some of the dog grooming tools for matted hair that I have found to do the job safely and efficiently. I will also help you learn how to properly use them.
What Causes Matting?
Simply put, friction is the main culprit that will cause hair to tangle and mat. Some sections of your dog’s coat are more prone to matting and those areas will require more brushing.
Dog parts prone to matting:
- Behind the ears
- Under the collar
- The armpits
- The rear end
So what exactly is a mat? A mat is a hard clump of tangled hair. As your dog’s hairs tangle together with the loose dead hairs it forms clumps of hairs that will grow bigger and bigger if unattended. The best way to prevent the hair from matting is to brush, brush, brush and brush some more. Using coat conditioners and detangling sprays will also play a big part in eliminating matting.
How to Demat your Dog
Begin by brushing your dog with a Slicker Brush. When you come across a mat spray some detangling spray and gently rub it into the mat. Now try to pick the mat apart using your fingers, a comb, and a slicker brush. If the matt is not separating you will need to use a matt splitting tool to break it up into smaller sections. Once the mat is broken into smaller sections try to brush them out. Remember to pick and never pull then go back over with a slicker brush. Finish up with a fine-toothed comb to remove all the small tangles. Now you can move on to the next mat and repeat the process. Make sure to give you and your dog a break when needed and reward your dog to promote good behavior.
If your dog is completely matted from head to toe you may need to shave it all off and start over. I do not recommend shaving down a dog unless it is absolutely necessary. Trying to brush out a badly matted dog can be very traumatizing to your pup. Simply put “It hurts” and this is something you don’t want to do.
Never and I repeat never try to cut mats out with a scissor. As mats grow they get tight and pull on your dog’s skin bringing the skin into the mat. The last thing you want to do is harm your dog by accidentally cutting his/her skin.
Always use de-matting tools in the direction of hair growth. Never go upward, the inside of the teeth are very sharp and should never come in contact with your dog’s skin.
Don’t expect miracles from a de-matting tool, the results depend on your time, patience, and the condition of your dog’s coat. Take brakes when you and your dog need them. There is no need to overstress yourself and/or your dog.
Dog Grooming Tools for Matted Hair
Rubold Fur Perfection Dematting Tool for Dogs
This tool works like a rake, comb, and brush to safely remove tangles, mats, and undercoats. Featured with rounded tipped teeth that will not scratch your dog’s skin to help make de-matting painless. For stubborn mats and tangles use the side of the tool that has 9 teeth then go back over the coat with the side that has 17 teeth for thinning and de-shedding. The tool also features a strong, non-slip, unbreakable handle for less hand fatigue. Recommended for all breeds with medium to longhaired coats. I recommend using this tool in conjunction with a Slicker brush.
Features:
- Two-sided with 17+9 precision rounded teeth
- 3,6 inches wide
- non-slip, unbreakable handle
- 100% Unconditional Lifetime Satisfaction Guarantee
- Best price found on Amazon
Dematting Comb Tool with Small Teeth
This de-matting comb has smaller teeth for minimal tugging and skin irritation yet sharp enough to cut through the thickest mats. It’s ideal for smaller dogs and dogs with sensitive skin. Features a durable ergonomic soft-grip anti-slip unbreakable handle making the job easier for you. You will also receive an e-book filled with info on caring for your pup.
Features:
- Small rounded teeth for less tugging
- Thumb rest for better control
- Comfort grip non-slip, unbreakable handle
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- Best price found on Amazon
Furminator Adjustable deMatter
This adjustable de-matter is perfect if you own pets with different coat lengths. Made of stainless steel rounded cutting edges to safely de-matt your dog. Features a slide tab cut adjustor that locks into place. It also features an ergonomic rubber handle for extra comfort and less hand fatigue. Works well for all coat types and lengths.
Features:
- Curved, stainless steel cutting edges
- Adjusts for all lengths of hair
- Ergonomic rubber handle for a secure grip
- Comes with a manufactory warranty
- Best price found on Amazon
HDP Safari De-matting Comb
I really like Safari products, they have a great reputation for making quality pet products. This de-matting comb is designed to remove mats and tangles from all types of coats. The comb safely gets under the matted hair allowing the blades to break up the mats. Works best on breeds with medium to long hair. The stainless steel, serrated blades are designed to avoid contact with your dog’s skin. It also features a comfortable non-slip handle with a double thumb rest. This tool can also be used by left and right-handed people.
Features:
- Rounded tip stainless steel blades
- Dual thumb rest for extra comfort
- Quality Guaranteed
- Best price found on Amazon
Conclusion
All the dog grooming tools for matted hair in this article are safe and easy to use. You will need to learn how to use them correctly to get the results you are looking for. Don’t rush, take your time to learn, you will get better and better with each grooming session. De-matting a dog can be a long hard process that can become stressful for your pooch. The best way to eliminate your dog from getting mats is to brush them often, every day if needed. And never bath a dog with tangled matted hair, it will only make matters worse.
Don’t forget to reward your pooch for a job well done!
If you have any questions or need some help please leave me a comment.
Happy Dog Grooming,
Thank you so much for this article! Had several American Cocker Spaniels before 14 mo. old Benji. He is a Silver Cocker (mostly white – don’t know what I was thinking when I flew to IN to get him!) and his fur is different than the other Cockers I’ve had. He’s also far more mischievous and energetic, plus he can fly too! (Long story) He rolls in grass, leaves, snow, and ice. I think his fur starts matting on the way home from the groomer every 4-5 weeks. I’m torn between wanting him to look beautiful and letting him be a puppy. I see now that I need to be more proactive in his grooming. I think these tools will help me. Could you please write an article on how to catch him to groom him next? ?
Hi Gayle,
I’m glad you found this article to be helpful. Sounds like you have your hands full lol! Take it slow and keep grooming times short until he gets used to it. Eventually, he will calm down and tolerate being groomed. You may find my article “How to Groom a Puppy” to be helpful too. Thank you for visiting my site and enjoy your new puppy, they grow up so fast!:)