"But My Dog Isn’t Matted!" A Groomer’s Honest Message to Loving Pet Owners

As professional pet groomers, we love your dogs. We see the sweet, playful, loyal companions you adore, and we know you want the best for them. But sometimes, despite the love and best intentions, we meet dogs who are struggling under coats that are far more matted than their owners realize.

You may look at your pup and think, “He looks fine,” or “She just needs a quick brush.” But matting doesn’t always look like a tangled mess on the surface. Often, it hides close to the skin, under the top layer of fur, especially in high-friction areas like behind the ears, under the legs, around the tail, and around collars or harnesses.

Today, I’d like to gently explain why matting is a serious issue, not just a grooming challenge, but a health and comfort issue for your dog, and why sometimes the kindest and most responsible solution is to start fresh with a full shave down.

Signs Your Dog May Be Matted (Even If You Can’t See It)

• They scratch more often than usual

• They flinch or resist when you touch certain areas

• Their coat feels bumpy or lumpy to the touch

• You can’t easily run a comb through the fur down to the skin

• You notice a musty or unpleasant odor coming from the coat

• They lick or bite at a particular area obsessively

What Is Matting, Really?

Matting happens when a dog’s loose fur tangles with dirt, dander, or moisture and begins to knot. Over time, those knots tighten and build upon each other, forming thick, dense clumps of hair that pull on the skin and trap bacteria.

Mats are more than cosmetic. They're painful. They pull constantly on your dog’s skin, causing irritation, bruising, and even wounds. In severe cases, they can restrict movement or cut off circulation. They create a dark, damp environment against the skin, perfect for yeast infections, parasites, or even maggots in extreme situations.

"I Brush My Dog, So He Can't Be Matted!"

We hear this often, and it’s understandable. You brush your dog regularly, but you’re likely only reaching the surface. Without a metal grooming comb that goes all the way to the skin, it’s easy to miss what’s hiding underneath. Mats usually form close to the skin and can be hard to detect unless you're trained to look for them.

That’s why professional groomers always do a full coat assessment before a groom. We check the trouble zones: armpits, groin, ears, tail, neck folds, and behind the collar. If we find mats, we’re not accusing you of neglect—we're trying to help your dog stay healthy and safe.

The Risk of Trying to De-Mat

Sometimes owners ask us to “just brush it out.” But here’s the truth: removing heavy mats is extremely painful for your dog. It pulls on the skin with every tug. Even if your dog is calm and patient (which is rare in this situation), de-matting takes a very long time and causes anxiety, stress, and often fear of future grooms.

Some dogs will yelp, squirm, snap, or shut down. Some leave the table with red, raw skin or bruising—even if we’re as gentle as possible. It’s heartbreaking, and it goes against everything we believe in as pet professionals.

When Shaving Down Is the Kindest Option

If the matting is severe or widespread, shaving your dog’s coat is the most humane, least traumatic solution. We use specialized tools to remove the mats safely without pulling the skin or causing unnecessary stress.

Yes, your dog may look a little different afterward. But what matters most is that your dog will feel better, be cleaner, and be on the path to a healthier coat. After a shave down, we can help you build a routine that prevents matting in the future.

And don't worry—hair grows back! With regular brushing and grooming every 4–6 weeks, we can guide your dog toward a beautiful, soft, tangle-free coat again.

Here’s What Happens When We Shave a Matted Dog:

• We check the skin thoroughly for infections, bruises, fleas, or wounds.

• We clean the skin, condition it, and relieve any irritation.

• We give your dog a fresh start—no more pulling, no more pain.

• Your dog walks away lighter, happier, and more comfortable.

• You now have a chance to maintain the coat with ease moving forward.

Breeds Most Prone to Matting

Matting is especially common in curly and double-coated breeds such as:

• Doodles (Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, etc.)

• Shih Tzus

• Maltipoos

• Cocker Spaniels

• Bichons

• Poodles

• Pomeranians

• Golden Retrievers

• Australian Shepherds

These breeds need routine brushing with a slicker brush and metal comb and professional grooming every 4–6 weeks. Skipping appointments or waiting 8–12 weeks in between grooms often leads to mats forming, even with some brushing at home.

Signs Your Dog May Be Matted (Even If You Can’t See It)

• They scratch more often than usual

• They flinch or resist when you touch certain areas

• Their coat feels bumpy or lumpy to the touch

• You can’t easily run a comb through the fur down to the skin

• You notice a musty or unpleasant odor coming from the coat

• They lick or bite at a particular area obsessively

  
  

How to Prevent Matting Going Forward

Prevention is easier—and much kinder—than correction. Here’s what you can do:

1. Brush daily or at least several times a week with a slicker brush and follow with a stainless steel comb to check for hidden mats.

2. Keep your dog on a 4–6 week grooming schedule. Don’t wait until the coat is long and difficult to manage.

3. Talk to your groomer about a maintenance trim, a shorter cut that still looks great and makes at-home brushing easier.

4. Dry thoroughly after baths, rain, or swimming. Moisture trapped in the coat encourages tangling.

5. Check harnesses, collars, and clothing for areas where friction may be causing hair to mat.

   
   

In Closing: We’re on Your Team

We don’t tell you your dog is matted to shame or guilt you. We tell you because we care. Our job is not just to make your dog look pretty, it’s to protect their well-being and help you be the best pet parent possible.

So, the next time your groomer says, “I’m sorry, but your dog is matted,” know that it comes from a place of compassion. If we suggest a shave-down, it’s because your dog will feel better, and we can build a grooming plan that keeps them mat-free, happy, and beautiful going forward.

Let’s work together, because your dog deserves to be comfortable, clean, and cared for.

Need help building a grooming routine or identifying the right tools? Let’s talk at your next appointment. We’re always here to help. 🐾