Dealing with Matted Dog Fur: Why You Shouldn’t Wait Too Long to Groom
Matted fur is more than just an eyesore – it can lead to severe discomfort, skin infections, and long-term issues for your dog. Regular grooming isn’t a luxury; it’s essential care. At HotDogs Mobile Dog Grooming Salon, we’ve seen how a neglected coat can spiral into a painful problem. That’s why we provide expert mobile dog grooming across Johannesburg, helping pet owners keep their furry companions healthy, happy, and matt-free – all from the comfort of their homes.
What Is Matted Fur – and Why Does It Happen?
Matted fur occurs when loose, shedding hair becomes entangled and knotted, often forming dense clumps that tighten over time. These mats can pull at the skin, trap moisture, restrict movement, and even hide ticks, fleas, or skin wounds underneath.
Mats tend to form:
- Behind the ears
- Under the legs
- Around the tail
- On the chest and hindquarters
Certain breeds, such as Poodles, Yorkies, Maltese, and Shih Tzus, are more prone to matting due to their dense or curly coats. But matting isn’t limited to breed – it can affect any dog if regular brushing and professional grooming aren’t part of their routine.
Why Waiting Too Long Makes It Worse
Ignoring matted fur is not only uncomfortable for your dog, it also makes grooming significantly more stressful later. Mats grow tighter over time, especially when they’re exposed to water before being brushed out — such as during a bath without pre-grooming.
Here’s what can happen when matted fur is left untreated:
- Skin irritation and hotspots beneath mats
- Hidden wounds or infections
- Pain when moving, walking, or lying down
- Increased risk of parasites like ticks and fleas
- Poor coat insulation — making dogs too hot in summer and too cold in winter
If a dog is severely matted, brushing out those clumps is not only painful — it’s often impossible without causing distress. That’s when professional intervention is crucial.
Let HotDogs groom your Dog!
HotDogs’ Dematting Policy: Kindness Comes First
At HotDogs Mobile Dog Grooming Salon, we prioritise the wellbeing of your pet above all else. Brushing or combing through severe mats can cause significant pain. That’s why we have a clear, compassionate policy when dealing with matted dogs.
If we arrive and your dog has excessive matting:
- We will not force a brush-through that causes pain
- We’ll assess the coat and contact you immediately to discuss options
- Where possible, we may clip or shave the matted areas to relieve the skin
- We then groom and style the rest of the coat to create a neat, fresh finish
Our professional dog groomers are fully qualified and trained to handle sensitive grooming situations with care, respect, and patience. We believe grooming should be gentle, never traumatic.
Dematting Done Right – At No Extra Charge
Many grooming salons charge extra for dematting services. At HotDogs, dematting is included in our grooming services — provided the dog can be brushed without suffering discomfort. If the matting is too tight or close to the skin, we won’t proceed without your approval.
We do not charge for:
- Mild to moderate dematting where dogs remain relaxed
- Assessing the coat and recommending the best option
- Clipping or trimming affected areas to restore comfort
Your dog’s health always comes before aesthetics.
Professional Grooming: A Necessity, Not a Luxury
Many pet owners underestimate the importance of professional dog grooming. While regular brushing at home is valuable, it rarely replaces the benefits of scheduled appointments with trained groomers.
Here’s why regular visits to a dog salon matter — especially for Johannesburg’s active pets:
- Groomers can detect skin issues before they worsen
- Nails are trimmed properly to avoid discomfort and posture issues
- Inner ears and anal glands are checked and cleaned
- Proper blow drying ensures no moisture is trapped under thick coats
- Breed-specific cuts and trims are done to maintain hygiene and comfort
And when you choose HotDogs, you don’t have to drive anywhere. Our mobile dog salon comes to you — saving time, reducing stress for your dog, and offering unmatched convenience for busy pet parents across Johannesburg.
What’s Included in Our Grooming Packages?
HotDogs Mobile Dog Grooming offers two full-service grooming options:
1. HotDogs Standard Package
A comprehensive clean that covers:
- Brush-out and detangling
- Warm shampoo and conditioning
- Massage to check for lumps and skin problems
- Tick and flea eliminator (if needed)
- Temperature-controlled blow-dry
- Coat styling and finishing touches
- Nail clipping, ear and eye cleaning
- Anti-bacterial spritz and deodorising
- Hair accessories for that polished “salon-fresh” look
2. HotDogs Style Me Up Package
Includes all of the above, with:
- Full body clip or shave for summer comfort
- Scissor styling and breed-specific trims
- Sanitary clips for easier hygiene
We also offer dematting, nail care, anal gland checks, and paw butter moisturising as extras — many at no extra charge.
Dog Groomers Johannesburg Trusts
HotDogs is proud to be the largest and most established mobile dog grooming company in South Africa. As leaders in the grooming industry, we’ve built a strong reputation based on:
- Professionalism
- Reliability
- Friendly, caring service
- Affordable pricing
- Quality grooming techniques
- A client-first approach that sets the benchmark
Every one of our groomers is trained and qualified. We handle your dog gently and respectfully, treating them as we would our own pets. We don’t just groom dogs — we build lasting relationships with their owners too.
How Often Should You Groom Your Dog?
We recommend a full grooming appointment every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your dog’s breed, coat type, and lifestyle.
Dogs who live indoors, sleep on beds, or have longer coats may require more frequent grooming to prevent matting and odour build-up.
Regular sessions:
- Build trust between your dog and the groomer
- Keep matting under control
- Maintain coat health and hygiene
- Reduce shedding in the home
- Keep nails, ears and glands in good condition
Skipping appointments for too long often leads to more difficult grooming experiences later.
How to Prevent Matted Fur Between Grooming Appointments
You don’t need to be a professional groomer to help your dog stay matt-free between visits. Follow these simple steps:
- Brush your dog regularly using the right tool for their coat type
- Avoid bathing your dog before brushing, as water tightens mats
- Check behind ears, under legs, and around the tail for early knots
- Keep your dog dry after rainy walks or pool time
- Book your next grooming appointment before mats develop
If you’re unsure how to brush your dog correctly, our groomers are happy to show you during your session.
Say Goodbye to Matted Fur — The HotDogs Way
Your dog deserves to be comfortable, clean, and confident. Matted fur isn’t just an aesthetic problem – it’s a genuine health concern. Don’t wait until it becomes a serious issue. Let our experienced, friendly team handle your dog’s grooming with professional care and compassion.
With HotDogs Mobile Dog Grooming Salon, you’re choosing:
- The biggest name in mobile grooming in SA
- Qualified dog groomers Johannesburg pet owners rely on
- A dog salon that delivers quality, consistency, and convenience — every time
Servicing Bryanston, Randburg, Sandton, Fourways, Sunninghill, Roodepoort, Midrand and surrounding Johannesburg areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matted Fur and Dog Grooming
How do I know if my dog has matted fur?
Look for dense clumps in the coat that feel tight or rough. Mats commonly form behind the ears, under the legs, or around the tail. If your comb gets stuck or the skin feels irritated, it’s likely your dog is matted.
Is it painful for a dog to have mats removed?
Yes, pulling through tight mats can be extremely painful. That’s why we take great care at HotDogs to assess the situation before proceeding. We’ll only demat your dog if it can be done without distress. Otherwise, we’ll clip the affected area.
Can I prevent matting at home?
Regular brushing is key. Brush your dog at least two to three times a week, more often for long-haired breeds. Also avoid bathing them if they already have tangles — this tightens mats and makes removal harder.
How long does it take to demat a dog?
It depends on the severity and size of the mats. Mild cases can take 15–30 minutes, while severe matting might require clipping or longer grooming sessions. Our groomers will assess and advise during your appointment.
Is mobile grooming suitable for nervous or older dogs?
Absolutely. Many anxious or senior dogs feel more relaxed being groomed at home rather than in a busy salon. Our groomers are trained to work with nervous pets using gentle, stress-free techniques.
Would you like to book a grooming appointment or speak with a groomer about your dog’s matted coat?
See our dog grooming price list or contact us today to make an appointment.
Your dog’s comfort starts with care — and we care.