My Dog's Hair Is Matted — What Should I Do?

Quick answer: Small, loose mats can sometimes be brushed out, but tight or widespread matting close to the skin should be shaved by a professional because brushing it is painful. At Doggy Day Spa in Neenah, full grooms start at $74 (doodles from $74). Text a photo of the coat to (920) 209-5588 and we will advise the best approach.

Discovering that your dog's coat is matted can be stressful. You might feel guilty, worried about your dog being in pain, or anxious about what the groomer will say. Here is the truth: matting happens to the best dog owners. What matters is how you handle it.

At Doggy Day Spa in Neenah, we deal with matted coats regularly. We never judge — we just focus on getting your dog comfortable again.

What Causes Matting?

• Not brushing frequently enough. This is the most common cause. Breeds with curly, wavy, or long coats need brushing multiple times per week.
• Brushing only the surface. If you are not getting all the way down to the skin, mats form underneath a layer of seemingly smooth fur.
• Moisture. Swimming, rain, or baths without thorough drying can tangle the coat and form mats as it dries.
• Friction areas. Behind the ears, under the collar, armpits, between the back legs — these areas mat first because of constant rubbing.
• Skipping grooming appointments. The longer between grooms, the more opportunity for mats to form and tighten.

Why Matting Is a Serious Problem

Mats are not just ugly — they are painful. Matted hair pulls on the skin constantly, like wearing a too-tight ponytail 24/7. In severe cases:

• Mats cut off air circulation to the skin, causing irritation, hot spots, and infections
• They trap moisture, dirt, and parasites against the skin
• They restrict movement in the legs and joints
• In extreme cases, they can cut off blood flow to the ears and tail

Can Mats Be Brushed Out?

Sometimes — if they are small and loose. We can use a slicker brush, detangling spray, and patience to work through minor mats. However, if the matting is tight, widespread, or close to the skin, brushing it out would cause your dog significant pain. In those cases, shaving is the humane choice.

What to Expect If Your Dog Needs a Shave-Down

If we determine that your dog needs to be shaved, here is what happens:

1. We will call you before we start and explain the situation
2. We use a blade length that removes the matting while leaving as much coat as safely possible
3. After shaving, the skin may be pink or irritated — this is normal and heals within a day or two
4. We will give you a care plan for growing the coat back and preventing future matting

A shave-down often costs more than a regular groom because it takes significantly more time and care. But it is a fresh start, and with a regular grooming schedule going forward, you will not have to go through it again.

How to Prevent Matting

• Brush to the skin 3-4 times per week (daily for curly coats)
• Use a slicker brush followed by a metal comb to check for hidden mats
• Groom on schedule — every 4-6 weeks for high-maintenance breeds
• Dry thoroughly after baths, swimming, or rain
• Remove the collar daily and brush underneath it

Staying on a regular schedule is the single best defense against matting. See our full grooming services and pricing to set up recurring appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a matted dog be brushed out instead of shaved?

Only if the mats are small and loose. We can use a slicker brush, detangling spray, and patience for minor tangles. If matting is tight, widespread, or close to the skin, brushing it out would be painful, so shaving is the humane choice.

Why does shaving a matted dog cost more?

A shave-down takes significantly more time and care than a regular groom and is harder on equipment. At Doggy Day Spa, full grooms start at $74 small, $94 medium, and $144 large; heavy matting that requires extra time is priced accordingly.

Will shaving hurt my dog?

No. Removing the mats relieves the constant pulling on the skin. The skin may look pink or irritated for a day or two afterward, which is normal. The coat grows back, and a regular grooming schedule prevents it from happening again.

Related Reading

• Signs Your Dog Needs Grooming
• Dog Grooming Prices in the Fox Valley
• What Is Included in a Full Dog Groom?