What should I do if my dog is licking or chewing a matted patch of fur?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your dog is licking or chewing a matted patch of fur, the mat is often irritating the skin underneath. It could be a simple grooming issue, but it can also happen if there’s soreness, trapped dirt or moisture, or a skin problem developing under the coat.

Start by checking the area carefully and try to keep your dog from making it worse while you work out what’s going on.

Things To Check

1. Check whether your dog is licking or chewing one specific mat, or several areas of the coat.

2. Look closely at the skin under and around the mat for redness, swelling, heat, broken skin, scabs or discharge.

3. Feel whether the mat is pulling tightly on the skin or seems painful when you touch it.

4. Check if the coat is also dirty, damp, greasy or full of debris, which can make mats more irritating.

5. Think about whether the problem started after rain, swimming, exercise or a period of missed grooming.

6. Notice whether your dog is scratching, rubbing, flinching or seeming unsettled as well as licking the patch.

7. Check whether the mat is in a hard-to-see place such as behind the ears, under the collar, in the armpits, on the thighs or around the tail base.

Common Causes

The most common reason is simple mat discomfort. Matted fur can tug at the skin, trap moisture and make the area feel itchy or sore.

Another common cause is dirt, debris or dampness caught in the coat, especially in dogs with longer hair or after wet weather.

Sometimes the mat is hiding a skin issue such as irritation, a superficial sore, a hot spot or an area your dog has already started to lick.

Less commonly, the licking may be linked to fleas, allergies or another skin problem that’s making the coat feel uncomfortable in more than one place.

What To Do

Gently stop the area getting worse. If your dog keeps chewing it, use a collar or distracting activity if needed while you sort out a plan.

Part the fur and inspect the skin as best you can without pulling hard on the mat. If the mat is small and loose, careful brushing may help, but stop if your dog seems sore or the skin looks inflamed.

If the mat is tight, close to the skin or your dog won’t tolerate handling, arrange professional grooming rather than trying to force it out at home.

Keep the area clean and dry, and make a note of any changes such as redness, smell, discharge or increasing licking. If your dog has a longer coat, regular brushing once the skin is comfortable again may help reduce future mats.

Products That May Help

If your dog is getting tangled or uncomfortable around matted fur, gentle coat and skin care products may help support a calmer grooming routine at home.

Pet Care

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