Curly, long, and double-coated dogs are prone to coat complications—but they’re not just cosmetic issues. Let’s break down the difference, the danger, and how you can help your pup stay comfy and mat-free.

🔗 What They Are & How They Happen

Knots

• Small clumps of twisted hair
• Typically form in high-friction areas: around collars, harnesses, ears, and paws
• Caused by play, rolling, moisture, and static buildup
• Easy to resolve when detected early

Tangles

• Larger, looser bunches of intertwined hairs
• Often result from dirt, moisture, or skipped brushing
• Can become mats if not detangled regularly
• Can cause mild discomfort and skin restriction

Mats

• Densely packed, tightly wound fur stuck close to the skin
• Can trap bacteria, moisture, and debris—leading to inflammation, bruising, and skin infections
• Often hide under outer fur and can cause pain long before they’re visible
• Require shaving or serious dematting to resolve, which may be stressful for your dog

🚨 Why Mats Are More Than Just a Mess

Mats tug at the skin, limit airflow, and trap moisture—which creates a breeding ground for:

• Hot spots
• Yeast infections
• Flea and tick hiding zones
• Limited mobility in joints when around legs and armpits

They also spike anxiety during grooming sessions due to pulling and discomfort—especially in curly-coated dogs with dense fur.

🪞 Prevention = Happy Pup + Fluffy Style

Here’s your pro-approved grooming routine for preventing knots, tangles, and mats:

🔁 Brush Daily

• Use a slicker brush to loosen curls
• Follow with a metal comb to reach close to the skin
• Focus on ears, tail base, underarms, neck folds, and anywhere your dog wears gear

🛁 Bathe Smart

• Use coat-specific shampoos and conditioners
• Dry thoroughly with a blow dryer or high-velocity dryer
• Brush post-bath—never let your pup air-dry without detangling first

📆 Stick to a Professional Schedule

• Grooms every 4–6 weeks are ideal for maintaining long, fluffy cuts
• Skipping leads to coat breakdown and potential shave-downs
• Groomers assess coat health, catch hidden mats, and prevent buildup before it becomes a problem

💬 Talk to Your Groomer

• Ask questions about your dog’s coat health
• Request brushing demos
• Set realistic expectations about length and style if maintenance isn’t consistent

🐾 Grooming Is More Than Beauty—It’s Wellness

At Vroom Grooms LLC, we don’t just style dogs—we protect their comfort, skin health, and emotional wellbeing. Mats aren’t a flaw—they’re a flag. Together, we can keep tails wagging and coats glowing with teamwork and education.