Yes, olive oil can help with matted dog hair, but only up to a point. Worked into small, loose mats and tangles, it lubricates the hair so you can tease the knots apart more gently with a comb. It won’t loosen tight mats that sit flat against the skin, though; those are best clipped out by a professional groomer.
Just like us, dogs can occasionally suffer from matted hair. This is especially common in furry breeds such as poodles, Shih Tzus, and Malteses. Left untreated, the mats can become painful for your pup and may even lead to skin infections or hot spots.
Olive oil is known to work for human hair, so it makes sense to wonder if it can work for matted dog hair too. Let’s find out.
Is olive oil an effective method for detangling your dog’s fur?
Olive oil can be an effective, natural way to detangle your pup’s fur. When worked into the coat, the oil coats and lubricates the hair in matted areas, which can make it easier to separate the knots and tangles. It works best on smaller, looser mats. We cover a similar oil trick for burrs in how to prevent burrs on dogs.
Because the hair slides more easily, the brush or comb pulls less on your pup’s skin, which makes de-matting more comfortable. Olive oil is also safe if your dog licks off a small amount, unlike some commercial products.
In addition to making brushing more comfortable for your pet, olive oil can leave a healthy sheen on the coat.
Pros of olive oil
- Mild and non-toxic
- Moisturizes the skin and coat
- Helps to detangle mats
- Leaves a healthy sheen
Cons of olive oil
- Messy to use
- May not work on severely matted hair
- Can be expensive if used frequently
How to de-mat your dog’s fur with olive oil
As seen above, olive oil can be quite messy to use. So, if you decide to go this route, it’s best to do it in the bathtub or outdoors.
We recommend the following tools:
- Olive Oil
- Oral syringe (syringe without needle)
- Dog brush or comb
- Towels
Start by filling the syringe with a generous amount of olive oil and then squirting it deep into your pup’s fur, focusing on especially matted areas. Rub the oil into their coat and let it sit for a few minutes. Then hold the hair at the base of the mat, between the mat and the skin, so you don’t tug on your dog’s skin, and start working at the outer edge of the mat with a wide-toothed comb or your fingers. Pick the tangle apart a little at a time, working toward the skin rather than raking straight through.
Once the mats start to loosen, use a towel to soak up any excess oil from their fur. A simple but effective way to do this is by laying the towel flat and then rubbing it against your pup’s coat in a downward motion.
Be sure to keep brushing until all the mats are gone. Then, give them a nice bath with warm water and appropriate shampoo for their fur type. This will help remove any leftover oil from their coat, which could otherwise attract dirt or upset your dog’s stomach if he licks off a lot of it. Dry your dog thoroughly afterward, since damp hair mats again quickly.
A few things to keep in mind when using olive oil on your pup’s fur
Although effective, there are some things you should keep in mind when using olive oil on your pup’s fur:
Tips when using olive oil:
- Be gentle with your tools. A wide-toothed comb is ideal; slicker brushes and fine metal combs can scrape or irritate the skin if you press too hard.
- Not every olive oil is the same, so make sure you're using a higher-quality, cold-pressed variety.
- Don't overdo it — only use enough to make the mats easier to brush through.
- Don't add essential oils to the olive oil; many, such as tea tree oil, are toxic to dogs.
- Use an oral syringe, not a needle syringe as this could hurt your pup.
- Never cut a mat out with scissors. Mats often sit right against the skin, and it’s very easy to cut your dog by accident.
- Take breaks and keep sessions short. If your dog is getting stressed or the mat isn’t loosening, stop.
When to see a groomer or vet instead
Olive oil isn’t the answer for every mat. Take your dog to a professional groomer if the mats are tight and close to the skin, cover large areas of the body, or are in sensitive spots like behind the ears, under the legs, or around the tail. In those cases, shaving the mats out is often the kindest option, and the coat will grow back. See your vet if the skin under the mats looks red, smells bad, is wet or has sores, or if your dog is in pain, as matting can hide skin infections and hot spots.
To prevent mats from forming again, brush your dog a few times a week (daily for long, curly, or silky coats), paying extra attention to friction areas like behind the ears, the armpits, and under the collar or harness.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we answer the most asked questions to help you make an informed decision about using olive oil to de-mat your pup’s fur:
How much olive oil should I use?
The amount of de-matting solution you place in the syringe will vary depending on your pup’s size and how severe their mats are. Feel free to fill up the syringe whenever needed for ideal results.
Is olive oil safe to use on my dog?
Yes, olive oil is gentle and non-toxic, so it’s safe to apply to your pooch’s fur. If your dog licks off a large amount, it may cause loose stools or vomiting, which is one more reason to wash it out afterward. Like with anything, keep a watchful eye on them in case they have an unfavorable reaction, such as itchy or red skin.
Is olive oil better than other methods of detangling mats?
Olive oil is one of the safest and most natural options for loosening mild mats. Commercial detangling sprays made for dogs work in a similar way and are less messy, while severe mats are best clipped out by a groomer. For mats that won’t loosen, careful thinning may be needed (see are dog thinning shears the same as human).
What type of olive oil should I use?
To optimize the nourishing and healthful benefits of olive oil, look for a superior quality cold-pressed option with no extra ingredients. This way you can be sure that you’re getting the maximum value from your purchase!
Final thoughts – No more matting
To conclude this article, dematting your pup’s fur with olive oil is a safe and often effective way to tackle small mats and tangles. Just be sure to use a quality product, the correct tools, and keep an eye on them during the process for any signs of discomfort.
Olive oil not only helps with matting but also leaves your pup’s coat with a healthy sheen. So, go ahead and give it a try on mild mats, and leave tight or widespread matting to a professional groomer. Your furry friend will thank you for it.
