Guide · Grooming
Dematting comb vs undercoat rake
Both tools remove tangled or loose hair, but they work in different ways. Choosing the wrong one can pull skin, leave the mat behind or strip too much coat. Here is how to tell them apart and use them safely.
General information, not medical or veterinary advice. Follow your local rules and the instructions that come with your equipment.
Two tools, two jobs
A dematting comb is made to work through knots and mats that have already formed. Its teeth are usually sharpened or bladed so they can split a mat into smaller pieces. An undercoat rake is made to pull out loose, shedding undercoat before it tangles. Its teeth are rounded and spaced out, and it lifts hair rather than cutting it.
| Dematting comb | Undercoat rake | |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Break up and remove mats | Remove loose undercoat |
| Teeth | Often sharpened or bladed | Rounded, spaced pins |
| Cuts hair? | Can cut hair if it is pulled against a mat | Does not cut, it pulls |
| Best time | When a mat has formed | During shedding, before mats form |
| Risk | Nicking skin if used close to it | Pulling or over-thinning the coat |
Which coats suit which tool
- Double coats, such as dogs with a thick undercoat, benefit from an undercoat rake in shedding season. This keeps the undercoat from compacting into mats.
- Long, silky or curly coats that tangle behind the ears, under the legs and along the belly may need a dematting comb for the mats that do form.
- Short, smooth coats rarely need either. A soft brush or rubber grooming tool is usually enough.
- Livestock and horses with matted manes, tails or winter coats are handled with tools sized for them. Ask a groomer or vet if you are unsure.
How to use a dematting comb safely
- Work on a dry coat. Wet hair makes mats tighter.
- Brush out the loose hair around the mat first so you can see its size.
- Hold the base of the mat close to the skin with your free hand so the pull never reaches the skin.
- Start at the outer tip of the mat and take short, gentle strokes, working toward the base a little at a time.
- Stop if the animal flinches or if the comb snags. Do not force it.
- Finish with a normal comb to check that no tangles are left.
A dematting comb is a sharp tool. Keep it away from children, and do not use it on mats that lie flat against the skin.
How to use an undercoat rake
- Brush the coat first to remove surface dirt and tangles.
- Rake in the direction of hair growth, with light, even pressure.
- Take long, slow strokes and clear the rake as the hair builds up.
- Do not rake the same patch again and again. Over-raking can thin the coat and irritate the skin.
- Check the skin as you go for redness, scabs or lumps.
When to stop and get help
Mats close to the skin can hide sores, hot spots or parasites. If a mat is tight against the skin, large, or the skin underneath looks red, wet or sore, do not cut it out yourself. Ask a professional groomer or a vet. If the animal is in pain, stops letting you handle it, or the coat is matted over a large area, the safest option is usually a professional clip. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice.
Care for your tools
Remove hair from the teeth after every use, wash, dry fully and wipe any bladed teeth with a light oil to prevent rust. Store the tool dry with the teeth covered or in a case. Clean and disinfect between animals, especially after working on skin problems. The care guide has a full routine.
At E74
We list a dematting comb and grooming scissor sets in the veterinary range. Items are price on request. Send a quote request and we reply with a written quote, with set contents confirmed before you pay.
Related products
Questions
What is a dematting comb used for?
A dematting comb works through knots and mats that have already formed, usually by splitting them into smaller sections that can be combed out.
What does an undercoat rake do?
It pulls out loose, shedding undercoat so it does not form mats. It lifts hair with rounded teeth and does not cut.
Can I use a dematting comb on a wet coat?
It is best to work on a dry coat. Wet hair makes mats tighter and harder to separate.
Is a dematting comb safe to use at home?
It can be, if you use it gently on small mats away from the skin. Because its teeth can be sharp, never use it on tight mats against the skin. Ask a groomer or vet in those cases.
Do you publish prices for grooming tools?
No. Veterinary items are price on request. Send a quote request through the contact form and we reply with a written quote.