Matted Fur Trouble: When Knots Turn Into Painful Hematomas

How Neglected Tangles Can Harm Your Dog (and How to Prevent Them!)

While many groomers may never encounter hematomas, the majority will likely face this issue at some point. Since it’s “summer shave-down season,” when this problem becomes more common, it’s important to address it.

There are two main types of hematomas typically seen on dogs' ears:

1. Swollen, Blood-Filled Ears

This type of hematoma causes the ear to swell with blood, resembling a balloon.

Several factors can lead to this condition:

Ear infections causing scratching or head shaking

 Snoods left on for too long

 Rubber bands left around the ear leather instead of the hair

 Injuries to the ear

This type of hematoma occurs when a blood vessel in the ear breaks, causing blood to pool between the layers of ear tissue. The affected ear becomes swollen, warm, and tender.

Treatment often involves draining the blood and, in many cases, surgery to cauterize the blood vessel and prevent further pooling. Without proper treatment, the ear may shrivel into a “cauliflower ear,” which is not only unsightly but also uncomfortable for the pet.

For hematomas caused by restricted blood flow (e.g., from tight snoods or rubber

bands), simple massage can often resolve the issue. To treat:

-Remove the offending object restricting blood flow.

 -Hold the ear upright and apply firm, steady pressure in a circular motion, moving from the bottom of the hematoma to the top.

 -Continue massaging for 30 minutes to an hour (depending on the dog and hematoma size) to encourage blood to re-enter the bloodstream.

Important Note: Hematomas caused by trauma or infection do NOT respond to massage and require veterinary care.

2. Ear Tip Bleeding or Splitting

This type of hematoma affects the ends of the ear leather, leading to seeping or dripping blood and, in some cases, splitting of the ear tips. Common causes include:

-Severe matting (the primary cause)

-Plucking of excessively hairy ears

-Ear infections

-Clipper irritation

Matting is especially dangerous for ears, as it restricts blood flow and traps moisture and dirt, weakening the skin. When mats are quickly removed, a sudden rush of blood to weakened tissue can cause bleeding. Even if no mats are present, shaving the ear can feel strange to the dog, prompting head shaking that leads to ear injury.

Dirty, wet hair that is tight to the skin is a recipe for disaster. Moisture as well as lack of blood flow weakens skin causing it to be thinner and more likely to tear or bleed.

After Shaving Extremely Matted Ears:

Secure the Ears Post-Shave: After shaving, use a Happy Hoodie, vet wrap, or a sock fashioned into a head wrap to secure the ears close to the head. This helps prevent head shaking and minimizes the risk of further injury. Monitor the dog to ensure the wrap stays in place and check the ears after 30 minutes.

Use Ice for Bleeding Concerns: If bleeding is suspected or already occurring, apply ice to the ears to restrict blood flow and reduce the risk of further bleeding.

When to Call the Vet

If bleeding persists or a hematoma is forming, take your dog to a vet. Vets often

treat these injuries with steroid injections and antibiotics to manage inflammation

and prevent infection.

Final Thoughts

While shaving or grooming may trigger the issue, the underlying causes—such as

matting, infection, or irritation—are usually pre-existing. By being aware of the

risks and prepared to address them properly, you can ensure the safety of the dog.

Share this information with clients will help to educate and prevent future issues.