Short answer: spray the knot with a detangling spray or apply a detangling foam, leave it for a minute or two, hold the hair close to the skin and work the knot loose with your fingers, then with a comb – from the tips towards the roots, in small sections. If the comb will not pass between the mat and the skin, or the skin underneath is red, do not pull – leave the mat to a groomer, and if there is a sore, see your vet.
Why knots form
Knots start where the coat rubs or stays damp: behind the ears, under the legs, in the groin, around the tail, on the legs and under the collar or harness. Dead undercoat that is not brushed out in time tangles with the living hair, and every movement tightens the knot. Tangles also build up when the coat dries on its own after a bath, rain or a swim without being brushed.
The most prone coats are long and curly ones – Poodle, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Cocker Spaniel – as well as thick double coats during the spring and autumn moult. The earlier you catch a tangle, the easier it comes out.
Spray, foam or 3-in-1 shampoo: which one when
| Format | When | How it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Detangling spray | daily brushing, light to medium knots | on dry or damp coat, no rinsing |
| Foam comb | a single stubborn knot, on the go | the foam comes through the comb straight onto the knot |
| 3-in-1 shampoo | bathing a dog that tangles easily | washes, conditions and eases brushing in one go |
| Conditioner after shampoo | long or dry coats | applied after shampoo and rinsed out |
Detangling sprays
A detangling spray works like a leave-in conditioner: it softens the hair so the comb glides through without breaking it.
- Bugalugs Probiotic Detangling Spray for Dogs belongs to the Pre, Post + Probiotic range – with probiotics and prebiotics (inulin), a light formula without heavy silicones that also reduces static. As well as making brushing easier, it is gentle care that supports the skin's natural balance. Research on topical probiotics is still limited, but the first results are promising.
- Bugalugs One in a Million Detangling Spray for Dogs combines hydrolysed wheat protein with the One in a Million designer scent and is free from alcohol, parabens and silicones. It suits you when you also want a finished scent after grooming.
- Bugalugs Tangle Tame Detangle & Conditioning Spray contains avocado and coconut oils and is the partner of the Tangle Tame 3 in 1 shampoo.
For dogs where scent is not wanted, there is also Bugalugs Fragrance Free Detangling Spray – without perfume, with wheat protein. With sensitive dogs, try products containing wheat protein and fragrance on a small area first.
Foam with a built-in comb
The Bugalugs 2 in 1 foam comes out through a comb applicator, so the product goes exactly into the knot. It is no-rinse, contains wheat protein and is suitable for dogs and cats over 8 weeks. It is handy for travel and for a quick fix behind the ears. Bugalugs 2 in 1 Fragrance Free Detangling Foam Comb is unscented – a handy choice for dogs and cats with sensitive skin. Bugalugs 2 in 1 Lavender & Chamomile Detangling Foam Comb has a soft scent and goes on quietly, without spraying – a good choice for dogs that are startled by the sound of a spray.
In the bath
If your dog tangles easily, start in the shower. Bugalugs 3-in-1 Raspberry & Lemon Dog Shampoo, Conditioner & Detangler washes, conditions and detangles in one go; it is ready to use and can be diluted up to 10:1. Bugalugs Tangle Tame 3in1 contains avocado and coconut oils and polyquaternium-7 against tangles and static. For long or dry coats, after a regular shampoo apply a conditioner such as Bugalugs Luxury Papaya & Coconut Dog Conditioner with almond oil, grape seed oil and vitamin E, then rinse well.
Technique: how to undo a knot without pulling
- Detangle first, bath second. Water and shampoo tighten matted coat even more, so deal with knots before bathing.
- Spray and wait. Moisten the knot with spray or foam and leave it for 1–2 minutes for the hair to soften.
- Protect the skin. Hold the lock between the knot and the skin so that brushing does not pull on the skin.
- Split it with your fingers. Gently tease the knot apart into several smaller locks.
- Work from the outside in. Start at the tips and gradually reach the roots, in small sections – first with a wide-toothed comb, then with a slicker brush.
- Check down to the skin. Finally, run a comb through to the skin. If it passes freely, you are done.
- Short sessions. A few minutes with rewards beats half an hour of struggle. This way your dog gets used to brushing.
After a bath, squeeze out the water and pat with a towel without rubbing – rubbing causes tangles. Spray onto the damp coat and brush while drying it with a dryer at a moderate temperature, held away from the skin.
When to cut a mat out or see a groomer
- The comb will not pass between the knot and the skin – the mat sits tight against it.
- A large area is matted and the coat feels like felt.
- The knot is in a delicate area – around the ears, under the legs or in the groin.
- Your dog reacts with pain and will not let you work.
Do not cut a mat with scissors close to the skin: the skin lifts together with the mat and is easily cut. A groomer will judge whether the mat can be teased out or whether it is kinder to clip the coat short and start again. If the skin under the mat is red, damp, smelly or has a sore, take your dog to the vet – matted coat traps moisture and can hide a skin problem.
How often to brush
Long and curly coats need brushing every day or every other day. Thick double coats need it several times a week, more often during the moult, and short coats a few times a week. Regular brushing with a little spray is much easier than undoing big mats once a month.
Suitable products
You will find detangling sprays and foams in Bugalugs Scents and no-rinse care, and combs and brushes in Professional grooming – brushes and combs. To see how they fit into the brand's whole range, read the full Bugalugs guide.
Read more: how to reduce shedding and Bugalugs shampoos – which one for which coat.
Frequently asked questions
Spray or foam – which should I choose?
A spray is more convenient for the whole coat and for daily brushing. A foam comb is more precise on a single stubborn knot and is quiet, so it is often preferred for nervous dogs and cats.
Can the spray be used on a dry coat?
Yes. Bugalugs detangling sprays are no-rinse and can be used both on a dry coat between baths and on a damp coat after a bath. Apply sparingly, especially on fine coats, so as not to weigh them down.
If I use conditioner in the bath, do I also need a spray?
Conditioner nourishes the whole hair and is rinsed out, while a spray stays in the coat and helps with daily brushing until the next bath. For long coats the two complement each other; a 3-in-1 shampoo is a handy compromise if you want fewer steps.
Are they suitable for cats?
The foam combs are labelled for dogs and cats over 8 weeks, and the probiotic spray has a separate cat version. The other sprays are made for dogs.
