In this best shampoo for matted dog hair review, we will be looking at our six best shampoos for matted dog hair. We’ve compiled a list of our top picks and provided a short review about each one.
By the time you’re done reading this buying guide for best dog shampoo for matted dog hair, you should know which shampoo is the best option for your puppy! You should always opt for a detangling and dematting shampoo that is natural and gentle on your furbaby. We know this is easier said than done because you’ll need to eliminate matting or pelting as quickly as possible.
But, finding a pet dematting shampoo that is gentle enough will not only speed up the process of detangling your dog’s hair but will also make bathing them more pleasant.
We have tried to find the best shampoos for dogs with matted coats. With so many different shampoos for matted dog hair, finding the right one for your furbaby can be challenging.
In a rush? Here are the top picks!
Grooming Matted Dog Hair
In the dog world, grooming is an essential part of pet parenting. It can range from daily to a few times a week- it all depends on your breed and preferences. So when you’re dealing with curly or long hair breeds like the Poodle or Shih Tzu, you’ll need to go in knowing that some matting and tangling will be involved.
If you’re lucky, you’ll get away with just regular brushing and maybe even a little bit of trimming. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case- significantly when the seasons change. Grooming your furbaby is not just about keeping them looking nice- it’s necessary for their health too. So if your puppy is suffering from matting, here are some tips for you.
- Pros
- 4-in-1 Dog Shampoo, Detangler, Conditioner, and Moisturizer
- Made in the USA
- USDA Certified Organic Ingredients
- Great for tangles, mats, and knots
- 98.25% All Natural Ingredients
- No harsh chemicals
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- Affordable compared to the other shampoos
- Cons
- Newly launched product on Amazon
The We Love Doodles dog detangling shampoo just started selling on Amazon to consumers in April 2022, but is being used by several professional dog groomers around the world. It’s a 4-in-1 dog shampoo, detangler, conditioner, and moisturizer that contains USDA-certified organic ingredients. Thus, after use, it will make brushing your dog a lot easier and effectively help against mats, tangles, and knots in your dog’s fur.
Not only will it leave your dog with fewer tangles, but it will also make your dog smell with a light lavender scent. The shampoo is 98.25% all-natural ingredients and comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your dog or you doesn’t like this shampoo we will give you a full refund no questions asked. This detangling shampoo is proudly made in the USA with one of the largest dog shampoo manufacturers.
Features
- 4-in-1 dog detangler shampoo
- Lavender and chamomile scent
- All-natural and certified organic ingredients
- Made in one of the largest dog shampoo manufacturers in the USA
- Pros
- Penetrates deep into the hair shaft
- Restores elasticity & natural moisture balance
- Suitable for all coat types & colors
- Detangler spray with sunscreen is water-soluble
- Adds luster & softness
- Ideal for cats & dogs
- Eliminates knots and tangles
- Cons
- Best if all products are used together
- Expensive
We’ve personally tried almost every possible dog shampoo, conditioner, and detangler, for our F2B Goldendoodle who get mats and tangles extremely often. This Chris Christensen Ice on Ice works miracles, but it is very expensive.
This is an all-natural ingredient in pet shampoo for matting that includes Moroccan Argan oil to help moisturize and hydrate dry and damaged coats. This is a dog dematting shampoo suitable for dogs, cats, and horses of all coat types.
Chris Christensen’s dog shampoo for dog hair matting provides a deep clean that will leave your dog’s fur shiny, smooth, and smelling fresh. We like this brand because it’s paraben-free and 100 percent natural. Chris Christensen Ice on Ice features most efficacy when combined with their detangling conditioner and detangling spray to fight frizz and tangles, creating smooth, sleek tresses that last.
We like this combination pack because the dog detangling spray adds elasticity and strength to the coat repels dirt, dust, urine, and other pollutants that can damage and break the coat.
Chris Christensen dog dematting shampoo helps to nourish the coat, transform dry, damaged coats and strengthen weakened strands. This pet shampoo is also effective in helping to undo tangles. This pet shampoo detangles, smooths, adds shine, doesn’t change coat texture. This product can be used on all coat types and is safe in all colors. Here’s the takeaway:
Features
- Three pack optimal efficacy dematting shampoo, conditioner, spray kit for dogs
- Chris Christensen dog grooming product
- Detangles, smooths, adds shine, doesn’t change coat texture
- Crafted with added Moroccan Argan oil for optimal coat health
- Combats frizz & tangles
- Pros
- Breaks down dirt and unwanted matter quickly without damaging hair.
- Panthenol and silk protein penetrate the hair and deep condition the skin
- Instantly detangles and deep conditions
- Safe for puppies
- Suitable for horses, cats & dogs
- A gentle rose scent that's not overpowering
- Softens coat and moisturizes skin
- Works well on super tangled or matted coats
- Reduces frizziness
- Cons
- Some customers did not like the rose scent
We’ve also used Cowboy magic, and it’s almost as good as the Chris Christensen combo and it’s slightly expensive.
Cowboy Magic is a pet shampoo for matting made from all-natural ingredients, including silk panthenol and honey – this dog detangler will leave your dog’s coat soft, smooth, shiny, and tangle-free! This horse grooming product can be used on dogs, cats, humans (kids). Detangles manes & tails, soften coats, prevents dry skin and coat problems. The conditioner works well with a stainless steel grooming comb to work through mats.
Cowboy Magic includes a shine-enhancing, color brightening formula which makes lighter colors look brighter and dark colors more vivid while protecting your pet’s coat from sun damage. We like this product because It’s so affordable and effective. It can be used on various animals – dogs, cats, horses, and humans. It’s also paraben-free and contains no chemicals or dyes. This product has over 1,600 positive reviews.
Features
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Shampoo & conditioner for matted dog hair
- Formulated with silk & honey
- Works instantly
- Crafted as a rosewater herbal blend
- Over 1,600 positive reviews
- Pros
- Reinforces fur's strength
- Effective detangling shampoo for pets
- Features no parabens or sulfates
- pH balanced for dogs
- Safe to use with topical flea and tick treatments
- Added silk proteins and enriching vitamins to restore moisture & optimal skin & coat health in pets
- Suitable for pups eight weeks & older
- Fresh scent that's not overpowering
- Cons
- Most effective if used together with a BioSilk conditioning detangling spray
Pet silk therapy shampoo is the perfect pet wash for dry or sensitive dogs. A moisturizing and anti-aging pet shampoo uses silk proteins to detangle hair while providing essential moisture for your pet coat. The Bio Silk pet shampoo is ideal for dogs, cats, rabbits, and ferrets of all types.
It’s specially formulated with silk protein to moisturize, strengthen smooth frizz & add shine. This dog detangling shampoo provides extra gentle cleansing that helps untangle hair while eliminating mats and tangles in your pet’s coat.
We like this dog shampoo for matting because it cleans, hydrates, and restores shine. It also gently yet effectively helps you work through knots and tangles for a dog detangler for matted hair everyone can enjoy.
Used together with the BioSilk eco-friendly dog grooming brush, you’ll be able to detangle any problem areas quickly. This brush detangles your dog’s coat without inflicting pain. BioSilk pet shampoo for matting has over 1,000 positive reviews and is our top pick as the best shampoo for matted dog hair.
Features
- Over 1,000 positive reviews
- Crafted with silk and enriching vitamins for optimal moisturizing benefits
- Affordable for multi-pet households
- Works through knots & tangles
- Made in the US
- Pros
- Allows for an easier brush-out during grooming
- Ends hair damage in pets
- Suitable for professional groomers & pet parents
- Crafted with natural, pharmaceutical-grade ingredients
- Leaves dogs silky smooth & smelling fresh for days
- Enriches the natural qualities of individual coat types
- Leaves coats clean, shiny & easy to manage.
- Cons
- Not for use on other pets like cats
This is an all-natural pet shampoo for matting made from oatmeal and aloe vera, which helps soothe skin and remove tangles. Miracle Coat works efficiently by removing mats and removing loose hair. This natural shampoo allows for a silky smooth coat. This is good for all dog breeds. We like this detangling pet shampoo because it gets the job done and is combined with the Miracle Coat Leave-In Conditioner.
Miracle Coat pet shampoo for matting uses a gentle formula to remove tangles from your dog’s coat while locking in moisture. This dog detangler will make your dog’s hair look shiny and sleek with every use!
This is an excellent option for dogs of all breeds and sizes with sensitive skin or other skin conditions such as rashes, dandruff, dryness, etc.
Features
- Affordable for multi-pet households
- Pacific Island scent
- Extra conditions while gently loosening tangles & mats
- Crafted with natural ingredients
- Enriched with extra conditioners
- The US-made
- Formulated with natural ingredients
- Pros
- Dog and cat shampoo & conditioner set
- No soap, detergents, sulfates, or parabens
- Suitable for tangles, mats & dandruff in pets
- Professionally formulated
- Will not disrupt flea & tick treatments.
- Leaves coat shiny & mat-free
- Moisturizing rinse out conditioner
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Cons
- The scent may not last long.
This is a professionally formulated dog shampoo for matting that includes vitamin e, coconut & shea butter to revitalize dry and damaged coats. This pet shampoo can be used on dogs of all breeds and sizes. The Warren London 2 in 1 dog shampoo & conditioner melts tangles away quickly. We like this product because it’s paraben-free, biodegradable, made in the US. High-end groomers also developed it to create a rich lather for use on all coats and help with tangles and mats.
You can also use it on all pets, including cats and puppies. This is an all-in-one formula with a shea butter dog skin conditioner that leaves the coat shiny and tangle-free. It features a soothing coconut scent that’s not overpowering. This is another pet product that features no sulfates, no parabens, no detergents, and soap, so it does not dry your dog’s coat and skin.
Features
- 2-in-1 shampoo & conditioner for dogs with mats & tangles
- Soothing light coconut scent that’s not overpowering
- Made in the US
- Infused with premium ingredients like plant proteins shea butter, coconut & vitamin E
- The product line focused on premium and natural ingredients.
- Pros
- Loosens tangles and helps prevent new ones from forming
- Suitable for dogs, pups, cats & kittens
- An all-in-one that loosens tangles while shampooing
- Special ingredient causes curly coats to become curlier and long coats to become silkier
- Rejuvenates dry coats while adding sheen and volume
- Suitable for long and short coats
- Works with sensitive skin
- Fortified with rich conditioners that rejuvenate dry coats
- Happy fragrance scent
- The scent does not last.
- Cons
- This is a cheaper version of the MidWest Double Door Dog Crate
This is a professional veterinary pet shampoo for matting that uses a gentle, tearless formula to remove tangles from your dog’s coat while locking in moisture. This also doubles as a quality dog detangler. This dog shampoo, conditioner, and detangler all-in-one loosen tangles while shampooing.
It also helps prevent them from forming on dry coats later. Their unique formula contains a liquid that leaves the hair feeling light and natural and rejuvenates dry coats while adding sheen and volume. This pet shampoo can be used on dogs, pups, cats & kittens.
This is another pet shampoo for matting that is silicone-free and made in America. High-end groomers also developed it to create a rich lather for use on all coats and help with tangles and mats.
Features
- Effective & affordable
- Crafted as an all in 1 shampoo, conditioner & detangler for pets
- Made in the US
- Concentrated formula that dilutes 10 to 1
- Silicone-free
- Made in the US
- A Davis veterinary pet product (a company founded over 35 years ago)
- Crafted with a unique formula contains a liquid that leaves the hair feeling light and natural.
How to remove matting or pelting in dogs?
The most important thing to remember is that if the pelting is severe and not something that you can brush out or something that would cause your pet pain to untangle, you should always shave out mats with clippers. If matting is around the ear or other sensitive areas, reach out to a professional groomer or your vet tech.
- Soak, then Groom. One of the most recommended ways to handle mats is to wet them down with water and brush them out while the fur is still damp. This method can be especially beneficial if you’re able to use a high-quality detangling spray beforehand to make the job easier. Once you’ve got a few inches of the mat wet, you’ll be able to more easily detangle and unknot it more.
- Use a Mat Remover. There are several different kinds of mat removers on the market that will remove your dog’s mats in seconds with no pain and no effort. These tools typically resemble a fork on the end of a handle and work by simply pulling the mat apart.
- Shave it Out. The first two options on our list call for some patience and time, but sometimes you don’t have either of those things to spare. In that case, your only option is to shave out the mats. To ensure a good result, make sure you use a high-quality blade and dog clippers and shave in the direction of hair growth. Don’t worry about shaving too close to your dog’s skin as this won’t hurt them, but remember not to shave against the way their fur grows, as that can irritate your pet’s skin.
- Try Some Conditioner or detangling sprays for dogs. As we’ve mentioned before, detangling sprays and conditioners can be a huge help when you’re dealing with matted fur as they’ll make the brush-out process much easier and more painless for your dog.
- Brush Out Tangles Daily. The only way to ensure that mats don’t form in your dog’s fur is to brush them out daily during shedding season. If you do this carefully, you’ll be able to brush away loose fur before it gets too long and causes any significant problems.
- Use a Furminator. Furminators are one of the best tools for removing excess undercoats in dogs without causing discomfort or pain.
- Trim the Mats. If all else fails, it’s time to break out the dog grooming scissors or clippers and trim away the mats until they’re manageable enough to brush out thoroughly. Again, make sure you’re shaving in the direction of hair growth and not against it.
- Use Clippers with Detachable Blades. If your dog has matted fur, the chances are good that the mats hide knotty bits of loose fur, which will cause discomfort when they get brushed out or cut away. The higher the motor speed of the clippers, the more power the blades will have to get under the mats.
How to get rid of mats?
The best way to get rid of matted fur is by using a high-quality detangling spray and combing solution, but if you’re in a pinch, there are also some other methods you can use. One of the most recommended ways to handle mats is to wet them down with water and then brush them out while the fur is still damp. This method can be especially beneficial if you’re able to use a high-quality detangling spray beforehand to make the job easier. Once you’ve got a few inches of the mat wet, you’ll be able to detangle and unknot it more easily. Another way to deal with mats is to use a mat remover.
There are several different kinds of mat removers on the market that will remove your dog’s mats in seconds with no pain and no effort. These tools typically resemble a fork on the end of a handle and work by simply pulling the mat apart. You can also shave it out, although this is only recommended as a last resort.
How to reduce an undercoat?
There are multiple ways you can go about reducing your dog’s undercoat without having to shave him or her. One of the most popular methods is using a Furminator, a brush that will cut through your dog’s undercoat to remove loose hair quickly and easily.
You can also try using an undercoat rake, which works much like the Furminator but with larger tines, so it’s able to reach your pup’s topcoat without accidentally cutting them. The rotating teeth pull through the dog’s coat without damaging it. Undercoat rakes can reduce shedding by up to 90%.
How to remove mats from puppies?
Getting rid of mats on a puppy is similar to dealing with an adult dog, but since their fur is much softer and more delicate, it’s essential to handle them with care or visit your vet tech or a professional dog groomer.
How do dog mats form?
Dog mats typically occur when your dog’s fur gets tangled together, and the tangles get matted or pelted down so they can’t be brushed or combed out. They also happen when the fur starts growing in different directions, making it hard to properly untangle and groom without causing discomfort or pain.
About 80% of all dogs have whorls in four areas of their body – the rump, back of legs, elbows, and, chest, and the remaining 20% also have additional whorls on the shoulders, head, and abdomen.
How do you remove mats from a Poodle?
The method you use to get rid of Poodle mats will depend on their severity, but it’s essential always to work slowly and carefully, so you don’t accidentally cut your dog’s skin. If the mat is relatively small, you can start using a slicker brush to comb through it gently.
You can also try cutting away at the mat with undercoat rakes or other tools, although again, this should only be done once their fur has grown in enough that it won’t lead to discomfort.
How do you get rid of mats on a dog?
There are several ways you can approach the issue of mats, depending on their severity and how much your pup seems to be struggling. If your dog’s fur is matted down but not tangled, then you should be able to brush or comb out the mat.
You can try using undercoat rakes or other tools if the mat is particularly large or stubborn, but make sure always to work slowly and carefully so you don’t accidentally cut your dog’s skin. If it seems like your pup is in pain while trying to get rid of mats, then it’s best to stop what you’re doing and give them a break.
Although the process is still relatively straightforward, getting rid of mats can be a bit more complicated with your dog’s thick, coarse fur. Instead, you should start using a slicker brush or steel dog comb to work through the mat and detangle their fur gently. If that doesn’t do the trick, try using a Furminator brush or undercoat rake instead. Finally, if these methods don’t work, then it might be time for a trip to your vet!
How do you remove a mat from a Shih Tzu?
Generally speaking, it’s best to remove mats from a Shih Tzu by first wetting the fur down and then using a high-quality detangling spray. Next, section off the mat you want to remove and begin combing out the individual hairs with a slicker brush or steel dog comb. You can also try cutting away at the mat with an undercoat rake, although this should only be done after the coat has grown in quite a bit.
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
Why Trust We Love Doodles?
At We Love Doodles, we’re a team of writers, veterinarians, and puppy trainers that love dogs. Our team of qualified experts researches and provides reliable information on a wide range of dog topics. Our reviews are based on customer feedback, hands-on testing, and in-depth analysis. We are fully transparent and honest to our community of dog owners and future owners.