Mats are small tangles and snarls that always get larger if left unchecked. Large mats can pull on a dog’s skin and become uncomfortable or even painful. Many dogs will chew on their mats in an effort to remove them, frequently causing skin irritation. And of course mats ruin your dog’s appearance.

What Causes Mats? Dirt and moisture in a dog’s coat can lead to matting. Mats tighten and harden when wet, so they become more difficult to remove. Fleas can increase the chance of matting and often dogs that are heavily matted are harboring fleas in those densely tangled mats. But the most common cause of matting is lack of regular brushing.

Every breed of dog has a different type and texture of coat. Some coats develop more mats than others. Double-coated breeds, such as a Husky or a Sheltie, have two coats – an “outer coat” and an “undercoat.” The softer undercoat sheds and can become tangled in the outer coat’s coarser hairs. Unless the undercoat is physically removed, this can create mats. Long-haired breeds with soft, silky coats, such as a Shih-tzu or a Yorkshire Terrier, can mat in clumps that need to be brushed out or clipped out.

How To Prevent Mats The best way to prevent matting is to get your dog professionally groomed on a regular basis, ideally every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the breed and type of coat. In between professional groomings, here’s what you can do to control matting:

1. Brush and comb your dog regularly.
2. NEVER bathe a matted dog! Once mats are wet, it is much more difficult and painful to untangle them.
3. If you bathe your dog at home, make sure you brush him/her thoroughly before the bath, dry the coat completely, and try using a canine crème rinse to help keep the coat from tangling.

Bandanas Mobile Grooming has a variety of specialty shampoos, crème rinses, sprays, and de-matting tools that can be used to comfortably eliminate dense undercoat, tangles, and mats before they become big problems.

Virtually all dogs, regardless of age or breed, will exhibit some shedding. Shedding is normal – it is a way for dogs to get rid of old hair or hair that is not needed during warmer seasons. Puppies shed their puppy coat as they grow into adults. Many dogs have two coats – the hair that you see on the outside, and hair underneath, called the “undercoat.” It is the undercoat that protects and insulates the dog during the winter – and sheds during the spring and summer.

How to Decrease Shedding Dog owners can help decrease shedding in a few basic ways:

1. Make sure your dog is getting the proper nutrition. Choose a high quality food and appropriate supplements that help keep the coat healthy.
2. Get regular veterinary check-ups for fleas, allergies, and skin conditions which could lead to excess shedding.
3. Brush your dog often with a brush that is best for your dog’s type of coat.
4. Get your dog professionally groomed every 6 to 8 weeks. The grooming should include a bath with a gentle, moisturizing canine shampoo.

De-Shedding Treatment Bandanas offers an exclusive process to reduce shedding called the FURminator® deShedding treatment. This proven treatment consists of a unique natural shampoo, conditioner, and specially designed de-shedding tool that work together to reduce shedding 60 to 80 percent. The photo above shows the actual hair removed from a dog with FURminator. The treatment results in a healthier, shinier coat, removes excess hair, and allows the skin to breathe.