At-Home Mat Prevention Checklist

(Keep your pet's coat healthy between grooms)

Brush Often

Long or curly coats: daily or every other day
Short coats: once a week
Be sure to work a comb all the way down to the skin

Use the Right Tools

Slicker brush or metal comb for most coats

Brush Before & After Bathing

Water tightens mats- never bathe a tangled coat
Brush thoroughly before bath and after drying

Dry Throughly

After baths or swimming, towel dry first
Use a pet-safe dryer while brushing

Watch Trouble Spots

Behind ears, armpits, groin, tail, and under collars/harnesses
Remove accessories when not in use

Grooming Schedule

Visit your groomer every 4-8 weeks for a bath, tidy-up, or full grooming

Grooming Aftercare

Increased Sensitivity

Skin Irritations or Redness

Having been freshly shaved down and more bare from their insulating coat, your dog’s skin is now more exposed to the elements. This can make them more sensitive to heat, cold, UV rays, and more household surfaces. This is common and will improve as their coat regrows.

Skin Irritations or Redness

It’s common to see minor clipper irritation, especially if the mats were tight to the skin. Redness, small nicks, or clipper burn may appear, not because your groomer was careless, but because the skin underneath was already compromised by the mats.

Hematomas

Itchiness or Discomfort

When mats are tightly compressed to the ear leather, they restrict blood flow. After the mats are removed, blood then rushes back in, causing swelling or even slight bleeding. While it may look alarming, this is a circulatory response, not a cut from the groomer.

Itchiness or Discomfort

Many dogs feel itchy after a shave down. As the coat begins to grown back, the short course fur can irritate the skin. You may even notice your dog rubbing against furniture or scratching more than usual which is normal during this phase.

Grooming Aftercare

1. Protect Their Skin from any Environmental Damage

Think of your pet’s coat as their natural armor, and without it, your dog is more susceptible to both sunburn and chills. During hot weather, keep your dog indoors when the sun is the strongest. If they’ll be outside for a while, apply a dog-safe sunscreen to exposed spots like the ears, snout, and back. In cold weather, a well-fitting dog sweater or light jacket can make post-shave walks for dogs more comfortable. Avoid thick layers that may rub against sensitive skin. After removing clothing, gently brush to prevent tangling from fabric friction.

2. Soothing the Skin by Moisturizing

1. Protect Their Skin from any Environmental Damage

Your dog’s skin may be dry, tight, or itchy after grooming. Keeping it moisturized can prevent flakiness and support healing. Use a pet-safe moisturizing spray containing oatmeal, aloe vera, or coconut oil. Avoid human lotions, which may contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs.

3. Preventing Self-Injury and Managing Itchiness

1. Protect Their Skin from any Environmental Damage

3. Preventing Self-Injury and Managing Itchiness

Some dogs will lick, scratch, or rub newly exposed skin. Although this behavior is understandable, it’s crucial to stop it early to avoid hot spots or skin damage. Keep your dog’s nails trimmed regularly to prevent accidental scratching.

Post-shave care for dogs with severe matting: try a soft cotton t-shirt or body suit to provide a physical barrier if your dog is fixated on a particular area. If licking persists, an inflatable collar or soft recovery cone can help break the habit while the skin is healing.

4. Make a Comfortable Home

5. Creating a Routine for Brushing While the Coat Grows Back

3. Preventing Self-Injury and Managing Itchiness

Areas your dog used to find comfortable, like rugs or beds, may now feel scratchy or irritating on their bare skin. Add some extra soft blankets or a memory foam topper to their sleeping area. Always keep their bedding clean and thoroughly dry to reduce the chance of irritation or any bacteria to grow on any exposed skin.

5. Creating a Routine for Brushing While the Coat Grows Back

As the hair begins to grow back, you’ll want to start a gentle brushing routine to prevent future matting. The earlier you start, the more your dog will adjust to it. Make sure you use a brush or comb that is best for your dog’s coat. Bringing your dog in for regular grooming will help as well. Ask your groomer for any personalized brushing tips based on your dog’s breed and coat. Some types of coats will require daily maintenance, while others can go a few days in-between grooming's.

At-Home Mat Prevention Checklist

(Keep your pet's coat healthy between grooms)

Brush Often

Use the Right Tools

Brush Before & After Bathing

Dry Throughly

Watch Trouble Spots

Grooming Schedule