Removing Mats Without Pain
Found a mat? Don't panic. This guide will help you assess whether you can safely work it out at home—and how to do it without hurting your dog.
Before You Start
Not every mat can be safely removed at home. Attempting to remove severe mats can cause skin damage, pain, and lasting anxiety around grooming.
- Can do at home: Loose tangles, small mats you can slide your finger under
- Needs professional: Tight mats against skin, pelted coats, large matted areas
Step 1: Assess the Mat
Before reaching for tools, assess what you're dealing with. The type of mat determines your approach—and whether it's something you should handle yourself.
Level 1: Loose Tangle
Hair is knotted but you can see through it. Fingers slide underneath easily.
✓ Home removal: Safe with patience
Level 2: Moderate Mat
Dense and firm. You can slide your finger between mat and skin, but the mat feels solid.
⚠ Home removal: Possible with right tools and technique
Level 3: Severe Mat / Pelting
Hard and tight against skin. You cannot slide a finger underneath. Skin moves when you tug the mat.
✗ Professional grooming required — do not attempt at home
Step 2: Gather Your Tools
The right tools make mat removal faster and less painful. Using a regular brush on mats just makes things worse.
Essential Tools
- •Detangling spray — Never work on dry mats
- •Slicker brush — For loose tangles
- •Dematting comb — For moderate mats
- •Steel comb — To verify mat is gone
Nice to Have
- •Mat splitter — Blade tool for splitting mats
- •Cornstarch — Helps separate fibres
- •Treats — Keep your dog happy
- •Timer — Know when to take breaks
Step 3: Remove the Mat
Isolate the Mat
Part the surrounding coat to expose the mat clearly. Use clips or your fingers to hold clean hair out of the way. You want to see exactly what you're working with.
Saturate with Detangling Spray
Spray the mat thoroughly with detangling spray. Let it soak in for 1-2 minutes. Never try to brush a dry mat—you'll just pull hair and cause pain.
If you're using the cornstarch method, apply that first, then spray on top.
While the spray soaks in, give your dog a treat. This builds positive associations with the dematting process.
Hold at the Base
This is the most important step. Place your fingers between the mat and the skin, holding the hair at its base. This prevents any pulling sensation.
Your dog should not feel any tugging on their skin throughout this entire process. If they flinch, adjust your hold.
Always maintain your grip at the base. Without this, every brush stroke pulls directly on the skin and causes pain.
Work from the Outside In
Start at the very tips of the mat—the furthest point from the skin. Using your slicker brush or dematting comb, work in small, gentle strokes.
- Tease out the outer edges first
- Gradually work deeper into the mat
- Never start at the skin and pull outward
- Let the tool do the work—don't force it
Split Larger Mats
For moderate mats, splitting them into smaller sections makes removal easier. Use a mat splitter or dematting comb to divide the mat:
- Hold the base firmly
- Insert the tool into the mat
- Gently pull away from the skin (never toward it)
- Repeat to create 3-4 smaller sections
- Work each section individually
Think of splitting mats like cutting a pizza—you're dividing it into manageable slices.
Take Regular Breaks
Dematting is tedious for both you and your dog. Take a break every 5-10 minutes, especially if your dog is getting restless. It's better to do multiple short sessions than one marathon that creates negative associations.
Verify with Steel Comb
Once you think the mat is gone, run a steel comb through the area. The comb should glide smoothly from skin to tip. If it catches, there's still tangle remaining—go back and work it out before moving on.
When to Stop and Get Help
There's no shame in knowing your limits. Even professional groomers sometimes clip out mats rather than brush them—because the dog's comfort comes first.
Stop and Book a Groomer If:
- 1Your dog is showing signs of distress (panting, trying to escape, lip licking)
- 2The mat is tight against the skin and won't budge
- 3You can see pink skin through the mat (bruising or irritation)
- 4You've been working on the same area for 15+ minutes
- 5The matting covers a large area (more than your palm)
Preventing Future Mats
The best mat removal is the mat that never forms. These habits will keep your doodle mat-free between professional grooms.
Daily (5 minutes)
- Check friction zones with your fingers
- Quick brush behind ears & armpits
- Remove collar for 30 minutes
Weekly (20-30 minutes)
- Full body line brushing
- Steel comb test on all sections
- Ear cleaning and sanitary check
Professional grooms every 6-8 weeks keep the coat manageable. The longer you wait, the more matting accumulates.
Related Tutorials
Dealing with Serious Matting?
Our team handles matted coats every day. We'll assess the situation and recommend the kindest approach—whether that's dematting, a shorter cut, or something in between.