Where mats usually form
The most common spots are the legs, behind the ears and under the chin: places that rub, get wet or are easy to miss when brushing.
Brush out or shave? How we decide
We look at how close the mats are to the skin and whether they've joined together. If they're pressed flat against the skin, connected into one mat, or spread all over the body, shaving is the safest option.
Why forcing mats out hurts
A mat is hair tangled tightly together. Pulling it apart tugs on the skin, which is painful. Repeated pulling can irritate the skin or cause inflammation, and the ongoing soreness can leave a dog feeling down after going home, sometimes even refusing to eat.
How we talk with you about it
If the mats are severe, we'll explain honestly that they can't be fully worked out, and that trying would be very uncomfortable for your dog. If the mats can be removed, we'll let you know it will pull on the skin, and that if your dog reacts strongly, we'll stop rather than push through.
De-matting prices
- $20: a few mats on the head or legs
- $40: mats on both the head and legs
- $60: mats all over the body
De-matting is added to a bath or grooming package.
How to prevent mats
- Brush as often as you can, especially after the dog park or playing with other dogs.
- If you bathe your dog at home, dry and brush them completely. Damp coats mat fast.
- Keep to a regular grooming schedule (how often?).
Quick answer
- Will the coat grow back after a shave?
- For most single-coated breeds like Poodles, Bichons and Maltese, yes, and starting fresh with regular brushing is often the easiest path. Double-coated breeds are different; see our article on shaving double-coated dogs.