If you’ve ever found clumps of loose fur on your floor or discovered a stubborn knot in your dog’s coat, you may have wondered whether your dog needs dematting or deshedding.
Although the two terms are sometimes used together, dematting and deshedding solve different grooming problems.
Dematting focuses on removing or working through tangled and matted fur, while deshedding focuses on removing loose hair from the coat before it ends up around your home.
Understanding the difference can help you choose the right grooming routine—and make brushing more comfortable for your dog.
What Is Dematting?
Dematting is the process of carefully working through knots, tangles, and matted areas in a dog’s coat.
Mats can develop when loose hairs become tangled together instead of falling away naturally. Friction, moisture, and lack of regular brushing can make the problem worse.
Some common places for mats to develop include:
- Behind the ears
- Around the collar area
- Under the legs
- Around the tail
- Areas where the coat frequently rubs together
Dogs with longer, curly, thick, or easily tangled coats may be especially prone to matting.
Small tangles may sometimes be worked through gently at home. However, severe mats that are tight against the skin can be painful and should usually be handled by a professional groomer rather than pulled or cut out at home.
What Is Deshedding?
Deshedding is different.
Instead of targeting knots, deshedding removes loose or dead fur from the coat before that hair naturally falls onto your furniture, clothes, and floors.
Many dogs shed throughout the year, while some experience heavier seasonal shedding.
Regular grooming can help collect some of this loose fur during brushing instead of letting it accumulate around your home.
Deshedding may be particularly useful for dogs with dense coats or undercoats, although the appropriate grooming tool and frequency depend on your dog’s individual coat.
If shedding is your main concern, you can also read our guide: How to Reduce Pet Shedding at Home.
Dematting vs. Deshedding: What’s the Difference?
Here’s the easiest way to remember it:
|
|
Dematting |
Deshedding |
|
Main problem |
Mats and tangles |
Loose or shedding fur |
|
Main goal |
Work through tangled hair |
Remove loose hair |
|
When to use |
When knots or mats appear |
As part of regular grooming |
|
Best approach |
Gentle, targeted grooming |
Regular brushing appropriate for the coat |
A dog can also need both.
For example, a long-haired dog might have loose fur throughout the coat while also developing small tangles behind the ears or under the legs.
That’s why identifying the actual coat problem before choosing a grooming tool is important.
Does Your Dog Need Dematting or Deshedding?
Take a closer look at your dog’s coat.
If you can feel knots, tangles, or sections of fur that have clumped together, you’re dealing with matting.
If the coat feels relatively smooth but you constantly find loose fur on your hands, clothes, couch, or floor, shedding is more likely the main issue.
Some dogs experience both at the same time.
A consistent grooming routine can make it easier to catch small tangles before they become more difficult to manage while also removing loose fur.
Can One Grooming Tool Help With Both?
Some grooming tools are designed with different sides or tooth spacing for different grooming needs.
For pet parents dealing with both tangles and loose fur, a dual-sided grooming rake can make it easier to use one tool for different stages of the grooming routine.
The VELO Double-Sided Dematting & Deshedding Rake features two sides designed to help with grooming tasks such as working through tangles and removing loose fur.
When using any grooming rake, start gently and avoid repeatedly pulling over the same sensitive area.
[Shop the VELO Double-Sided Dematting & Deshedding Rake →]
How to Demat and Deshed Your Dog Safely
Grooming should be comfortable—not a battle between you and your dog.
A few simple habits can make the process easier:
1. Start with a calm dog
Choose a quiet place and let your dog become comfortable before you begin.
2. Check the coat with your hands
Before brushing, gently feel through the coat for knots, sensitive areas, or irritation.
3. Work slowly
Use short, controlled grooming strokes instead of pulling aggressively through the coat.
4. Be especially careful around tangles
Never force a grooming tool through a stubborn mat. Pulling can tug at the skin underneath and cause discomfort.
5. Groom in short sessions
You don’t need to finish everything at once. Short, positive grooming sessions can be easier for both you and your dog.
6. Reward good behavior
Treats, praise, or a favorite activity afterward can help your dog build a more positive association with grooming.
How Often Should You Deshed Your Dog?
There isn’t one grooming schedule that works for every dog.
Coat length, coat type, shedding level, season, lifestyle, and your dog’s individual needs can all affect how often brushing is useful.
Some dogs benefit from frequent grooming, while others need much less.
The important thing is to monitor the coat rather than brushing aggressively simply because a certain number of days has passed.
For a more detailed breakdown, read How Often Should You Brush Your Dog?
Can You Prevent Mats Before They Form?
Regular coat checks and brushing can help you notice tangles while they are still small.
Pay particular attention to areas that experience friction, including behind the ears, under the legs, around collars or harnesses, and near the tail.
Keeping your dog’s coat clean and checking it after outdoor activities can also make grooming easier.
The goal isn’t necessarily to brush more—it’s to groom consistently and use the right technique for your dog’s coat.
When Should You See a Professional Groomer?
Not every mat should be handled at home.
Consider contacting a professional groomer if:
- A mat is very tight against the skin
- Your dog appears to be in pain
- There are many large mats
- The skin underneath looks irritated
- You cannot safely separate the tangled fur
- Your dog becomes extremely stressed or defensive during grooming
Avoid using scissors close to the skin to remove a tight mat. Folded skin can become trapped inside matted fur, making accidental cuts possible.
When in doubt, professional help is safer than forcing the mat out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dematting the same as deshedding?
No. Dematting targets tangled or matted fur, while deshedding focuses on removing loose hair from the coat.
Does deshedding remove mats?
Not necessarily. A deshedding tool is primarily intended for loose fur. Mats and tight tangles may require a different grooming approach.
Can my dog need both dematting and deshedding?
Yes. A dog can have loose shedding fur as well as tangled areas, particularly with longer or thicker coats.
How can I tell if my dog has a mat?
Gently run your fingers through the coat. A mat usually feels like a dense knot or clump of fur that does not separate easily.
Should I remove severe mats myself?
If a mat is large, painful, extremely tight, or close to the skin, it is safer to consult a professional groomer rather than pulling or cutting it out yourself.
Final Thoughts
Dematting and deshedding may sound similar, but they address two different problems.
Dematting = knots and tangles.
Deshedding = loose and shedding fur.
Knowing which problem you’re dealing with makes it easier to choose an appropriate grooming routine and keep your dog’s coat comfortable and manageable.
Regular coat checks, gentle brushing, and the right grooming tools can go a long way toward making grooming easier for both you and your dog.
Explore VELO grooming essentials designed to make everyday pet care simpler.
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