How often should I brush my dog to prevent matting?

For dogs prone to matting, two to three times per week is minimum. Dogs with high-maintenance coats like Goldendoodles, Poodles, Cockers, and Aussies need daily brushing.

Even the best pet parent in the world can find themselves surprised by a mat on their pup’s fur. It might leave you wondering if you’re doing everything that you’re supposed to do to keep your dog’s coat in good condition. So if that worry has occurred to you, it’s worth talking about how often dog coats need attention and how mats form.

Matting doesn’t typically show up on the back or the sides where you’d naturally run your hand. They hide in friction zones that you probably don’t touch often such as, behind the ears, under the collar, in the armpits, and around the base of the tail. For dogs where matting is an issue, these spots will need targeted brushing every few days.

Coat type matters more than breed here. A Goldendoodle with tight curls is likely to mat faster than one with loose wavy fur. Dogs who like to swim or play in tall grass (especially when it’s damp) will air dry in odd patterns that can accelerate the speed at which mats show up. Wearing a dog harness on a daily basis can also increase the risk of matting, as can seasonal shedding when loose undercoat gets trapped in the topcoat.

When brushing, you’ll want to make sure you reach down to the skin. If you’re only smoothing the surface, you can end up with a nice-looking outer coat but a lot of matted fur underneath. You need the right tools to do this, including slicker brushes for surface work, metal combs for hidden mats, and undercoat rakes during shedding season.

If you’d like some help making sure your dog’s coat is in good condition, professional grooming can help. When done every four to six weeks, the groomer can take care of the deep work, clearing out tangles before they become mats. This resets the coat so your at-home brushing is even better at preventing problems. If you live in the Frisco or McKinney area, Woofie's mobile grooming in Frisco-McKinney can come right to your driveway so you won’t have to leave your home to keep a high-maintenance coat under control.