Do Dog Harnesses Cause Matting? What Can You Do About It? Harnesses have become the best option for walking your pet safely and with greater control during walks. But do dog harnesses cause matting? How can you avoid it? We explain this and much more in this post. Don’t miss it!
Mats often appear without warning, affecting your pet’s well-being and appearance. They usually manifest frequently in curly, fine, or double coats dog breeds.
Have you noticed mats on your little four-legged friend? Don’t worry. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
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Why do Matting or Matted Fur Arise?
The famous mats usually form when a canine’s fur tangles and wraps around itself, forming clumps of dead hair and live fur. If not treated in time, the mats will adhere to the dog’s skin, causing pain and discomfort.
Most dogs with long coats usually form around the neck, chest, and armpits. Therefore, using a harness all day can cause fur accumulation due to friction.
On the other hand, they can also appear in areas such as the neck where their collar goes, behind the ears, behind the chin, and on the back of their hind legs. Mats usually originate during molting periods.
If your dog likes to swim, it’s also very easy for matting to occur due to the humidity, which causes the hair to curl and dry curled up on itself.
It’s important to note that some breeds, such as Poodles, are much more prone to suffer the consequences of matting. This breed has the combination of features necessary to produce mats if not continuously maintained. The same applies to breeds with long, fine coats, like the Bearded Collie.
Can Harnesses Cause Matting?
The answer is yes. Although harnesses are considered by many experts as the best tool to take your pet for a walk, it has been found that, in dogs with dense coats, the harness may be the main cause of matting.
Type H or Y harnesses are usually used close to the dog’s body, so constant friction on a fairly dense coat can lead to matting. The areas most affected by the harness are where the coat is long, be it the neck, chest, or armpits.
This doesn’t counteract the benefits of a good harness since, if your pet tends to pull during walks, a harness provides greater comfort and prevents him from hurting himself by pulling.
What can you do about it? Simple! Before buying any harness available on the market, don’t get carried away by its attractive design. Instead, pay close attention to the materials of construction and their straps; some harnesses are specially designed to avoid the appearance of mats.
Do the Mats Harm Dogs?
Yes, mats can form quickly due to different circumstances; even the way you pet your dog can lead to mats. It’s not a complicated problem to solve as long as it’s treated in a timely manner.
If you work on time, your little friend’s knots pose no danger and are less uncomfortable for your pet. However, if ignored and left to grow without any care, it can lead to problems such as irritation, bacterial infections, fungus, and even, if they’re on their paws, can hinder your pet’s movement.
If the mats grow too much and are very close to the skin, the best thing to do is go to a veterinarian or professional groomer to remove them with special care.
How to Prevent Matting of Your Dog’s Coat?
Knowing that dog harnesses cause matting, it’s time to find out what you can do to avoid them and how to remove them from your pet. This way, you’ll keep your little friend safe and can take advantage of all the benefits of dog harnesses.
Regularly Groom Your Pet
Although some dog harnesses cause matting, brushing your pet regularly and thoroughly can prevent matting. The frequency with which you brush your little friend will depend on his coat type and whether he is mundane.
How often you brush your little friend will depend on his coat type and whether he is molting.
If your pet has a long, curly, or fine coat, you should brush them more frequently, if you can do it daily, much better. On the other hand, another type of coat can be groomed only once a week.
One of the most common mistakes when brushing your pet is only brushing the top coat, which worsens the matting situation. Because if you only focus on combing the top coat, you are only pushing the loose fur and mats much closer to his skin.
This can be avoided using the right brush for your pet’s coat type; rake combs are perfect for dogs with a double coat. You can also use a rotating comb or a polishing brush, which are ideal for dogs with curly coats.
Another important aspect of eliminating mats is using a no-rinse conditioning spray, which facilitates brushing and is very useful if your pet has a fairly long coat.
You should only apply it after bathing when your pet’s coat is still wet, then, you can brush it, and you’ll see that the mats are removed much easier.
Use the Harness as Long as Necessary
One of the most common problems in the formation of mats is that they often form under the collar or where the harness is placed. Removing the harness after walks or when it’s not tied is necessary to prevent hair knots from forming.
Many pet owners often leave the harness on their little four-legged friends for too long. Although it may seem harmless, this causes mats to form due to friction. Consider using a harness in rolled leather material to prevent the tangling of the coat.
Regular Visits to a professional hairdresser
Dog breeds such as Poodles, Doodle mixes, Bichon Frisé, etc., require regular coat maintenance to prevent matting. Even with frequent brushing at home, their fine coat can tangle very easily, especially if it gets wet.
To properly maintain your little friend, you can start by setting aside a professional grooming service every 1 to 2 weeks. In this way, you can properly maintain your pet’s coat, avoiding the appearance of mats.
If you want to keep the coat long, you must do the complete grooming and haircut service more often, at least every 6 weeks. A brushing treatment and general maintenance will make your pet have a much easier time during the day.
Does your pet hate going to the groomer? As a professional tip, you can start with mini-visits to the groomer, where you just say hello to the staff, and your pet can eat tasty treats. This allows your dog to create a positive association when visiting the place.
Key lesson: Regular grooming and proper use of a harness are essential for preventing matting in your dog’s coat. Neglecting these practices can result in discomfort for your furry friend and even lead to health problems. Taking the time to properly care for your dog’s coat will not only improve their physical well-being but also strengthen the bond between you and your beloved pet. So invest in the right tools and techniques, and commit to a regular grooming routine – your dog will thank you for it!
Types of Dog Harnesses that Do not Cause Matting
There are a large number of dog harnesses on the market, each with different designs and features that make them unique. These are usually built with your pet’s well-being in mind, and one of the favorites of many is the famous Y-shaped harness.
But do dog harnesses cause matting? Here we compile the best harness brands that protect the health of your little friend’s coat and skin.
It should be noted that leather and fur dog harnesses are the most recommended to avoid the appearance of knots, so they’re especially suitable for dogs with long and dense coats. The brands that specialize in the construction of this type of harness are:
- Hunter.
- Ferribiella.
- Perro Collection.
- Gooby.
- Rabbitgoo.
- Puppia.
| Picture | Brand | Top Picks | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
Top  | Rabbitgoo | Rabbitgoo Dog Harness | View on Amazon |
  | Gooby | Gooby Escape Free Easy Fit Harness | View on Amazon |
  | Puppia | Puppia Soft Dog Harness | View on Amazon |
  | KRUZ PET | Kruz PET KZA201 Adjustable Harness | View on Amazon |
  | PetSafe | PetSafe CareLift Rear Support Harness | View on Amazon |
How to Choose the Best Harness for Dogs?
If you want to make sure you make a good investment and purchase the best dog harness that does not cause matting, you should keep these points in mind:
- Safety: Choose a harness that can be adjusted and does not slip easily from your pet. Make sure it’s not too tight to cause discomfort.
- Comfort: Choose a harness to make your little friend feel comfortable during walks or outdoor rides. Be sure to choose a material that won’t irritate the skin.
- Durability: Buying a harness with good construction materials and durability can protect your investment and provide you with a harness for years to come.
- Fewer friction points: The best harness for dogs suffering from hair knots should have fewer friction points. This type of harness touches less fur and uses silky materials that avoid matting.
We urgently recommend you to delve into our article for a more comprehensive understanding and gain further insights about this topic through additional reviews. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to broaden your knowledge!
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)
1. Can a dog harness cause matting in my pet's fur?
2. What is the best type of harness to prevent matting in dogs with long hair?
3. How often should I groom my dog to prevent matting caused by a harness?
4. What are the signs that my dog's fur is becoming matted from a harness?
5. Are there any other ways to prevent matting in my dog's fur besides proper harness fit and grooming?
Final Recommendations
In short, dog harnesses are your best ally in taking your pet for a walk, providing comfort and safety. But it’s necessary to consider your dog’s features to choose the ideal one for him.
You can start by following all our recommendations and trying different harnesses on your pet to find the one that best suits his needs.
Although dog harnesses cause matting, many models are designed especially for pets with long and dense coats, preventing knots from forming in the dog’s coat.
It’s also necessary to maintain constant maintenance of your little friend’s coat, as this is the best action to avoid and prevent the appearance of matting.
