Why is my dog’s coat getting greasy and matted?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your dog’s coat is getting greasy and matted, the most common reasons are usually simple grooming issues, a coat type that tangles easily, getting wet or muddy, or skin changes that are making the coat harder to keep clean. It can also happen if your dog is less able to groom themselves or if there’s an underlying skin or health issue affecting the coat.

It’s worth checking the coat closely, because greasy mats can form quickly and trap dirt, moisture and loose hair. You may be able to manage mild cases at home, but if the coat change is new, persistent or comes with skin irritation, a vet check may be sensible.

Things To Check

1. Check whether the greasiness or matting is mainly around the ears, armpits, tail, chest or behind the legs, as these areas tangle easily.

2. Look closely for redness, scabs, dandruff, a smell, sore patches or any wetness under the mats.

3. Notice whether your dog has recently had less grooming, more muddy walks, more swimming or more time in wet bedding.

4. Feel whether the coat seems unusually oily across the body or only in one area, as that can point to different causes.

5. Check whether your dog is scratching, licking, rubbing or shaking their head more than usual.

6. Think about any recent changes in diet, washing routine, shampoos or seasonal shedding.

7. Look at your dog’s general condition too, including appetite, energy levels and whether they seem otherwise unwell.

Common Causes

The most common cause is a grooming routine that hasn’t quite kept up with the coat type, especially in long, curly, double, or very dense coats. Loose hair and natural skin oils can build up and form mats if they’re not brushed out regularly.

Greasiness can also happen after muddy walks, swimming or being damp for too long, particularly if the coat dries slowly. Wet or dirty fur can clump more easily, which makes tangles develop faster.

Skin irritation, allergies, parasites or a skin infection can also change how the coat looks and feels. These are more likely if there’s itchiness, odour, redness or repeated licking along with the matting.

Less commonly, an underlying health issue can affect coat condition and grooming behaviour. If the change is new, widespread or linked with other signs, it’s sensible to get it checked.

What To Do

Start with a gentle, realistic grooming plan. Brush regularly with a tool that suits your dog’s coat type, and work through small sections rather than trying to tackle the whole coat at once.

If mats are close to the skin, don’t pull at them. That can be uncomfortable and may make the skin sore. If they’re mild, you may be able to gently ease them apart, but anything tight, large or painful is best left to a professional groomer or vet.

Keep the coat as clean and dry as practical after walks, rain or swimming. Pay extra attention to areas that stay damp or rub easily, such as under the collar, behind the ears and under the legs.

If the coat is oily as well as matted, keep a note of when it started, where it’s worst and whether anything else has changed. That can help you and your vet spot a pattern if it doesn’t settle.

Products That May Help

For dogs with greasy or matted coats, a gentle grooming and washing routine can make coat care easier to manage between full grooms. This collection may help support everyday coat, skin, paw and ear hygiene.

Pet Care

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