Dematting: When It’s Possible—and When It’s Just Not Fair to Your Dog

By H&H Dog Grooming – North West London

At H&H Dog Grooming, we know how much you love your dog. Their coat might be a big part of what makes them look so adorable—but at the end of the day, their comfort and happiness matter most.

Matting is something we see a lot, especially in dogs with longer or curlier coats like Cockapoos, Poodles, Shih Tzus, and even Spaniels. It doesn’t take much—missing a few brushes, a damp walk in the woods, or even a jumper rubbing in the wrong spot—and suddenly you’ve got a tangle that’s tighter than it looks.

Light mats? No problem.

If your dog has a few small or light mats, we can often work those out with a gentle touch. We use calming techniques, high-quality detangling tools, and plenty of patience to make the process as stress-free as possible—for both your dog and you!

We’ll always let you know what we’re doing and why. And if we think the mats can be removed without causing discomfort, we’ll happily go ahead—taking breaks if needed and always putting your dog’s wellbeing first.

But when is dematting just too much?

Sometimes, mats get so tight and dense that trying to brush them out becomes painful—like pulling on a knot in your own hair, but worse, because it’s all over your dog’s body. In these cases, dematting stops being helpful and starts being unfair.

Mats can tug at the skin, making movement uncomfortable. They can hide redness, rashes, or even infections underneath. And for a lot of dogs, a long dematting session is incredibly stressful—even traumatic.

When that’s the case, the kindest thing we can do is recommend a clip-down. Yes, it might be shorter than you were hoping for—but your dog will be far more comfortable, and their coat will grow back healthier than ever. We’ll make sure they still look lovely and feel fresh, light, and happy.

No blame, no shame—just support

We completely understand that life gets busy. It’s easy for brushing routines to slip, especially with a lively pup or a packed family schedule. Our job isn’t to judge—it’s to help.

If your dog needs a clip-down, we’ll walk you through what to expect, offer coat-care advice, and help you plan for future maintenance that actually works for your lifestyle. From brushing techniques to the best tools for your dog’s coat type, we’re here to make things easier.

We can also recommend a grooming schedule that suits you—whether it’s every 4–6 weeks for regular trims and tidy-ups, or in-between brush-out sessions to stay on top of knots before they turn into mats.

Your dog’s wellbeing comes first—always.

At H&H Dog Grooming, we pride ourselves on being gentle, honest, and kind. We groom with empathy, not vanity. If your dog isn’t comfortable, we won’t push them through something just for the sake of looks.

We want your pup to leave happy, wagging, and ready for cuddles—not stressed or sore.

So if you’re ever unsure about your dog’s coat, feel free to pop in, give us a ring, or send a photo—we’re more than happy to take a look and offer some friendly, pressure-free advice.

After all, we’re not just here to groom—we’re here to support you and your dog every step of the way.