Why is my dog’s coat greasy and matted? | arlo.® Atlas
Share This Guide
Read time: 3 minutes
Overview
A greasy, matted coat can happen for several reasons. The most common are grooming build-up, skin oils not being spread through the coat properly, or an underlying skin issue causing dandruff, odour or a waxy feel. You usually can’t tell the cause just by looking, but a few simple checks can give you a better idea of what’s going on.
Things To Check
1. Run your hands through the coat to see if the grease and matting are mainly in one area or over the whole body.
2. Look for dandruff, scabs, redness, soreness, broken skin or a strong smell.
3. Check whether your dog has been harder to groom lately, or whether brushing has been missed because of weather, age or mobility.
4. Notice if your dog is scratching, licking, rubbing or shaking more than usual.
5. Check the skin under the matting, if you can do so gently, for heat, wetness or irritation.
6. Think about any recent changes in diet, bedding, bathing routine, environment or medication.
7. See whether the coat looks dull, flaky, patchy or unusually oily compared with your dog’s normal coat.
Common Causes
The most common cause is coat care build-up. Dogs with longer, thicker or curlier coats can get greasy and matted if loose hair, dirt and skin oil aren’t brushed out regularly.
Skin conditions are another common reason. Seborrhoea, which affects how the skin sheds and produces oils, can make the coat feel oily, flaky or smelly, and may contribute to matting.
Parasites, allergies and mild skin irritation can also change the way the coat looks and feels, especially if your dog is scratching or licking a lot.
Less commonly, hormonal or other health problems can affect the coat. These aren’t something you can confirm at home, but they’re worth considering if the coat change is persistent or comes with other signs.
What To Do
Start with gentle, regular grooming. Remove tangles before they become tight mats, and keep brushing sessions short if your dog isn’t used to them.
Try to keep the coat clean and dry, especially after mud, swimming or wet weather. Let the coat dry fully before brushing if it’s damp.
Keep a brief note of when the greasiness started, whether it’s getting worse, and any other changes such as scratching, odour or dandruff. That can be helpful if you later need to speak to a vet.
If the coat is matted down to the skin, avoid pulling at it. That can be painful and may irritate the skin underneath.
Products That May Help
For dogs with greasy, matted or generally difficult coats, a suitable grooming and washing routine can help support day-to-day coat care and make brushing easier to manage.
Related Questions
Why does my dog smell greasy?
Can seborrhoea cause dandruff in dogs?
How often should I brush my dog’s coat?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.