When Mats Cause More Than a Mess: Aural Hematomas in Dogs

At Flinders Pet, we see a lot of dogs come through the grooming room with tangled fur—especially around the ears. While mats might seem like just a cosmetic issue, they can actually lead to painful medical problems. One of the lesser-known risks? Aural hematomas, a condition where blood collects between the skin and cartilage of your dog’s ear.

Let’s dive into how tight matting can cause this issue, and more importantly, how you can prevent it.

🩸 What Is an Aural Hematoma?

An aural hematoma is essentially a blood-filled pocket in your dog’s ear flap (the pinna). It typically happens when blood vessels in the ear burst, causing swelling that looks and feels like a soft, warm balloon under the skin. While most often linked to excessive head shaking or scratching (usually from ear infections or allergies), aural hematomas can also occur from severe matting that restricts blood flow to the ear.

❌ How Matting Can Cause a Hematoma

When fur becomes matted, especially around and behind the ears, it can create tight, constricting knots that act like a tourniquet. This restricts healthy blood flow to the delicate tissues in your dog’s ear flap. Over time, this pressure can damage blood vessels. If your dog shakes its head, scratches, or if the mat is suddenly removed (like during grooming), those weakened vessels can rupture—leading to a hematoma.

Think of it as a balloon filling up with blood just beneath the surface of the skin. It’s painful, uncomfortable, and can become a recurring issue if left untreated.

✂️ Prevention: Why Grooming Matters

The best way to avoid a mat-related aural hematoma? Stay ahead of the tangles.

Tips for Prevention:

Brush regularly, especially behind the ears and under the chin—places prone to matting.
Use a detangling spray and a slicker brush or metal comb to keep long coats smooth.
Schedule professional grooming every 4–8 weeks, depending on your dog’s coat type.
If you notice any mats forming, don’t pull them out—this can hurt your dog and damage the skin.
For dogs with thick or curly coats (like Poodles, Doodles, or Spaniels), consider regular trims to reduce the risk of mats forming.

🐾 How Flinders Pet Manages Severe Ear Matting

When a dog arrives at Flinders Pet with significant matting around the ears, our priority is to remove the mat safely and gently—while reducing the risk of complications like hematomas.

Here’s how we handle it:

Client Consultation:
We always discuss the condition of your dog’s coat with you before grooming. If we suspect tight matting that could pose a risk, especially around the ears, we’ll explain the situation and what steps we’ll take.
Mat Removal with Clippers:
Rather than combing or tugging, which can cause trauma, we use a #10 blade to carefully shave the mat away. This minimizes pulling on the skin and reduces stress to the underlying blood vessels.
Compression to the Ears:
After shaving, we apply gentle pressure to the ears to reduce swelling or the chance of blood pooling. This may be done using:
- A Happy Hoodie (a soft, stretchy wrap placed around the ears and head)
- Loose bandaging if needed, to support the ear structure during their stay
Ongoing Monitoring:
While your dog is in our care, we’ll continue to monitor their ears for signs of swelling or discomfort. If anything concerns us, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

This approach helps us safely manage problem mats while reducing the risk of further issues—and keeping your dog as comfortable as possible.

🧡 The Takeaway

Matting is more than a grooming concern—it’s a health risk. Keeping your dog’s coat tangle-free can prevent serious issues like aural hematomas. If your pup has long, curly, or easily tangled fur, regular brushing and professional grooming are essential—not just for looks, but for their comfort and well-being.

At Flinders Pet, we’re here to help you keep your dog’s coat healthy and their ears safe. Got a matted pup? Give us a call—we’ll walk you through it and make sure your furry friend gets the gentle care they need.