Course 13 · Matting and Tangles · Lesson 11 of 12

How do you prevent mats from returning?

Published 29 October 2026 · Updated 29 October 2026 · About 6 minutes · General information only. This lesson does not diagnose or treat any condition.

Prevent mats from returning by combing to the skin regularly, drying the coat fully after wetting, checking friction areas weekly, removing loose hair during shedding, and keeping collars, harnesses and equipment from rubbing constantly. Prevention is a routine, not a single treatment, and it works best when it is matched to the dog’s coat type, activity and season. A routine that is kept consistently will prevent most mats, while a routine that lapses for a few weeks will allow tangles to tighten again.

How often should combing and checking happen?

Frequency depends on coat type, but the principle is the same: comb to the skin, not just over the top. Long, curly, wavy and double coats usually need combing every few days, with a full comb through at least weekly, while short coats may need weekly combing and a check for tangles in friction areas. During shedding, combing should be more frequent, to remove loose undercoat before it packs into mats. After swimming, rain, or a bath, comb friction areas once the coat is dry, because damp hair felts as it dries. Puppies need frequent, gentle combing from an early age, so handling becomes normal and puppy coat, which mats easily, is kept tangle free. Older dogs, dogs with health problems, and dogs that are less active need more frequent checks, because they groom themselves less and lie in one position more.

What technique prevents mats most effectively?

Combing to the skin is the key technique. Part the hair in small sections, comb from the ends toward the skin, and check that the comb passes freely down to skin in each section. Use a comb, not just a brush, for the check, because a brush can glide over the top of a mat while the base remains tangled. Work in the friction areas from lesson 2 first, then the rest of the coat, so the highest risk areas are never skipped. Comb in the direction of hair growth, without forcing, and hold the base of any tangle found, as in lesson 4. Dry the coat fully after wetting, using a towel and, if the dog accepts it, a dryer on a low, cool setting held at a distance, combing as the coat dries.

How do season, activity and equipment affect prevention?

Season affects shedding and moisture. In spring and autumn, many dogs shed heavily, and loose undercoat must be removed more often. In wet weather, coats stay damp longer, and friction areas need more checks. In summer, swimming and grass seeds add debris and moisture, and mats can form quickly. Activity affects friction: dogs that run, roll, play with other dogs, or wear harnesses for long walks need more frequent checks. Equipment affects rubbing: a harness that fits well, is removed after walks, and is checked for hair trapped underneath will cause fewer mats than a harness worn all day. Coats and jumpers, if worn, should be removed indoors, checked for rubbing, and not worn over a damp coat. Bedding matters too: clean, dry bedding reduces debris and moisture, and a dog that sleeps in one position needs friction areas checked, because pressure and moisture combine there.

What should you do when a tangle is found despite prevention?

When a tangle is found, work it out promptly with fingers and a comb, as in lesson 4, and note where it was found. A single tangle is not a failure of prevention; it is the system working, because the check found it early. If tangles recur in the same place, increase checks there, review equipment fit, drying, and combing technique, and consider whether a groomer trim would help keep that area manageable. Do not ignore a tangle in the hope it will resolve, because it will tighten. Do not bath a dog with tangles without working them out first, unless a groomer advises it, because bathing can tighten them. If tangles are found frequently despite regular combing, ask a groomer for an in person demonstration of combing technique, because a small change in section size, comb angle, or drying method can make a large difference.

What are the limits of prevention at home?

Prevention at home has limits for dogs with very dense, curly or double coats, dogs with health problems that affect skin or mobility, and dogs that will not accept combing. Those dogs need groomer support at regular intervals, with home combing between grooms, rather than home prevention alone. A groomer can advise on a realistic interval, a suitable trim to keep the coat manageable, and a combing routine that matches the coat. Owners should not feel that needing groomer help means prevention has failed; it means the coat needs professional support as part of prevention. If a dog develops mats despite regular combing and groomer visits, a vet check may be needed to rule out skin disease, pain, or a health issue that affects coat and grooming tolerance. Prevention is a partnership between home routine, groomer care, and veterinary assessment when needed.

When should you stop and get help?

Seek a groomer or vet if mats return quickly despite regular combing, if skin underneath is sore, if the dog will not accept combing, or if mats are severe. Do not increase combing force or frequency to the point of distress, and do not cut mats without the decision process in lesson 6. Early professional advice on technique, trim and interval will prevent more mats than repeated home attempts. A routine that is kept, checked and adjusted, with professional help when needed, is the most reliable way to keep a coat mat free.

Regular combing to the skin, full drying, weekly friction checks and a routine adjusted for season and coat type keep most mats from forming, and early tangle removal keeps the rest from tightening.

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