What is included
Matted coat care is done in the van at your home, one dog at a time. Your groomer checks the coat by hand first, then picks one of two paths.
- Dematting. For light or scattered mats, your groomer works them out with a detangling spray, a slicker brush, and a mat splitter. It saves coat length, but it is slow, and pulling on tight mats hurts.
- A shave-down. For mats that are tight to the skin or cover much of the body, the kind choice is often a short clip under the mats. It takes the whole problem off in one go, and the coat grows back even.
Most visits end up as a mix: a short clip on the body and some dematting on the face, ears, or tail. A bath, blow dry, nail trim, and ear cleaning usually follow once the mats are off. A matted coat traps water and dirt, so washing before the mats come out rarely works.
For the background, our post on what to do about matted dog fur explains how mats form and when to call for help.
Which dogs it suits
Any dog whose hair keeps growing can mat. It happens most to:
- Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, and Poodles, especially during the puppy-to-adult coat change between about 6 and 12 months.
- Shih Tzus, Maltese, and Havanese kept in a long coat.
- Golden Retrievers and Australian Shepherds, behind the ears, in the feathering, and around the rear.
- Senior dogs who no longer like to be brushed, and dogs who have missed a few visits.
Mobile is a good fit for matted dogs. The work can take a while, and a dog who is already sore does better without kennel time, other dogs, or a car ride.
What affects the price
A groomer quotes after seeing the coat because two dogs that look the same in a photo can be very different under the surface. A coat can look fluffy on top and be one solid mat at the skin. Your groomer will want to feel it, check the face, feet, and armpits, and see how your dog handles it.
| Dog size | Mobile full groom, before dematting |
|---|---|
| Small (under 25 lb) | $120 to $160 |
| Medium (25 to 60 lb) | $140 to $190 |
| Large (over 60 lb) | $165 to $250 |
Prices vary by groomer. OC Mobile Dog Grooming is a referral service, so the final price comes from the independent mobile groomer we connect you with.
Dematting is usually added at about $15 to $20 per 15 minutes. Heavily matted coats are usually quoted after the groomer sees the dog, and a short shave-down often adds about $30, which is usually less than hours of dematting. Doodles and Poodles often cost $15 to $30 more than the size range. Some groomers add a travel fee outside their usual area, often a few dollars per mile. Photos of the worst spots in the quote form help your groomer give you a closer estimate.
Comfort, skin, and matted dog grooming in Orange County
Mats are not just a looks problem. They pull on the skin every time your dog moves, trap moisture and heat, and can hide hot spots, sores, or fleas. Once the mats come off, the skin underneath is often red or tender. Your groomer will point out anything that a vet should see.
After a shave-down, your dog may feel a little strange for a day or two. Keep a short coat out of strong midday sun, and expect some scratching as the skin settles.
How often to book, and how to prevent mats
- Book every 4 to 6 weeks for curly and silky coats, so mats never get a head start.
- Brush to the skin a few times a week with a slicker brush, then check with a metal comb. If the comb catches, keep going.
- Watch the friction spots: behind the ears, under the collar and harness, the armpits, and the back of the legs.
- Dry fully after the beach or a swim. Damp coats mat fast.
- Keep a shorter cut if brushing at home is hard to keep up.
For a full schedule by coat type, see how often to groom your dog.