Dog Matting Risk Checklist
Check common matting triggers before the coat becomes painful. This tool helps you decide when to brush more, book sooner, or ask a groomer for an assessment.
Risk score: 0
Check the items that apply to your dog. The result will update automatically.
What to do with a higher score
A score points to conditions that make tangles more likely; it cannot diagnose the coat. Check whether a comb passes gently through the hair behind the ears, under the collar and harness, in the armpits and along the legs. Wet coats and friction can make a home routine harder to keep up.
If the comb catches on tight mats, avoid pulling or cutting near the skin. Ask a professional groomer about a comfortable, realistic trim; contact a veterinarian when skin is red, painful or irritated. VCA's matting guidance explains when to seek professional care.