Hoe verwijder je klitten uit de vacht van je hond?
Mats are not only unsightly — they pull on the skin, cause pain, and can lead to skin irritation or inflammation. In long-haired dogs, they quickly form behind the ears, under the legs, and in the groin. How do you remove them safely and painlessly? In this guide, we'll explain it step by step.
By the SmartPaw editorial team · Published July 15, 2026 · Last updated July 15, 2026 · Facts checked by veterinary and official sources.
📌 In brief
- Always start with a dry coat — water makes mats tighter.
- Work from the outside in: hold the mat close to the skin and gently pluck it loose.
- Use your fingers, a dematting comb, or a grooming set; never cut blindly with scissors.
- Regular brushing is the best prevention against mats.
- Is the mat tight against the skin or is the skin inflamed? Visit a groomer or vet.
How to remove a mat step by step?
Always remove a mat from a dry coat and work from the tip towards the skin. Hold the hair close to the skin with your other hand, so you don't pull on the skin and it doesn't hurt.
| Step | What do you do? |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the mat and hold the hair between the mat and the skin. |
| 2 | Gently loosen the mat with your fingers, from the outside in. |
| 3 | Carefully comb out the loosened hairs with a dematting comb. |
| 4 | Then brush the entire coat and reward your dog. |
What tools are best to use?
For ordinary mats, your fingers and a dematting comb or dog brush are sufficient. For a dog that mats a lot or sheds a lot, an all-in-1 grooming set with suction is handy: it brushes and immediately vacuums up loose hair, so it doesn't float through your house.
FurVac – all-in-1 grooming set with suction
Brush, demat, and immediately vacuum up loose hair with 6 attachments. The ultimate tool against mats and shedding.
View product →💡 Tip: Spray a little detangling spray or diluted conditioner on the mat. This makes the hairs smooth and they slide apart more easily — but first brush the mat out dry before wetting the coat.
How to prevent mats in the coat?
Regular brushing is by far the best prevention: daily for long-haired dogs, several times a week for medium-length coats. This way, loose hair and small tangles don't get a chance to mat together. Also read how often you should brush your dog and what to do about hair loss during shedding.
⚠️ Never cut a mat blindly
The skin pulls up into a mat, so you can easily cut the skin with scissors. If you can't get a tight mat loose, or if the skin underneath is red or moist? Leave it to a groomer or vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my dog get mats so quickly?
Usually due to a long or double coat, friction (collar, paws, armpits), and insufficient brushing. Mats also form more quickly during shedding.
Can I wet a mat to loosen it?
No, water and shampoo will make a mat tighter. Always remove mats from a dry coat first.
Does dematting hurt?
If you hold the hair close to the skin and work calmly, no. Never pull hard on an entire mat.
Can the FurVac prevent mats?
Regular brushing with a grooming set keeps loose hair away and thus prevents mats from forming.
Discover the SmartGrooming collection →
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) – coat care and dematting; RSPCA – grooming guidelines.
This blog is informative and does not replace veterinary advice.
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