Mats Stand No Chance: GoPets Dematting Comb

We purchased the GoPets Dematting Comb so our writer could put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

My bichon poodle is now seven-years-old, but when I first got Henry as a 6-month-old pup, his tight little curls were soft, fluffy, and downright adorable. Over the years, I’ve had to learn the hard way about mats and tangles. Curly-haired dogs like Harry are prone to tangles, especially after bath time or when it rains. A dematting tool is essential if I want to skip pricey, frequent trips to the groomer.

I was skeptical when I got the GoPets Dematting Comb. I’ve tried countless brushes, combs, and high-end hair conditioners in the past. But since I know the dog groomer can get those tangles out easily, I figured I might as well give this dog-groomer-approved comb a try.

My dog's a relatively good sport when it comes time for brushing. Henry gets restless when I spend too much time on one tangle or when the process takes more than 25 minutes. It's usually a losing battle, and we ultimately cut out the mat or I make a grooming appointment to fix it.

Long story short, the GoPets Dematting Comb works. The double-sided comb offers ideal versatility when it comes time for brushing. I mostly use the lower-density side (the dematting rake) with 12 blades to work on the stubborn tangles and mats. It takes a bit of time and finesse to get the toughest mats out, but once I nailed the smooth-combing technique—different from my usual fast-brush method—it started working. 

The other side of the comb has 23 blades for deshedding and combing the undercoat. Since my dog doesn't shed, I test the deshedder on my mother-in-law’s golden retriever. This tool is a godsend for getting rid of excess hair—something she deals with constantly all over the house. She said her dog had noticeably less shedding for one to two days following our brush session. 

An important element of this comb is its comfortable handle, especially when brushing a big dog like a golden. It has a squishy soft, non-slip silicone gel-filled handle that conforms to your hand. Fortunately, Harry’s only 20 pounds, so there’s not much surface area to brush, but even so—his tight little tangles take time. Having a steady, easy-to-hold grip is essential.

Even with the trickiest tangles, the GoPets Dematting Comb didn’t seem to pull his skin much or bother him as other brushes have in the past. Instead of pulling the mat until it’s out (which rarely actually works), the blades cut through mats and tangles. This approach worked surprisingly well, despite a few pulls while I was getting used to the comb.

The makers of the GoPets Dematting Comb also has a charity angle. The company donates a portion of profits to animal charities, rescues, and no-kill shelters for every comb sold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the blades be replaced?

The GoPets Dematting Comb is built with sharpened blades that were designed to self-sharpen during use. The manufacturer will replace the comb if the blades get too dull. To make a claim, customers would need to email GoPets customer service for further instructions.

Are the blades sharp?

The blades are sharp, but they’re not razor sharp. I touched the blades with my fingers (to test safety), and I had no problems. 

How does this comb get rid of mats?

To avoid painful pulling, the comb has curved, sharp-edge teeth designed to easily pull or cut through mats, depending on the mat's severity. 

Will this work on all breeds?

While the comb can technically work on most breeds, it’s optimal for dogs with longer hair with tangles, mats, and shedding. Short-hair dogs like a lab or pug would be better off with a bristle dog brush. Similarly, this tool works for cats with longer hair as well.

How long does brushing take with this comb?

This comb is more efficient for home groomings. When I brushed my dog's hair after his bath, the GoPets Dematting Comb sped up the process. The process took 15 minutes to get out all of the tangles, an improvement over lower-quality combs and brushes that take 20 to 25 minutes. Most of the time, with my old tools, I gave up and waited for the groomer.

Is the handle comfortable?

The handle is one of the best features of this comb. The soft silicone gel-filled handle allows me to grip it easily while navigating my dog's little tangles. This ease of use makes the combing process more seamless and efficient.

GoPets Dematting Comb vs. Maxpower Planet Pet Grooming Brush

GoPets isn’t the only brand to use the double-sided brush system. However, it is one of the pricier options at around $30, probably due to its professional-quality guarantee. Another brush that offers similar features at about half the price is the Maxpower Planet Pet Grooming Brush.

This competitor is a step down from the GoPets Dematting Comb. Similarly, it has two sides. The dematting brush side has nine teeth for getting through mats and tangles, while the deshedding brush side has 17 teeth for removing loose hair and getting rid of excess fur. (The GoPets tool has 12 and 23, respectively.)

The Maxpower brush lacks the cushy gel handle. A comfy handle is important if you spend nearly half an hour brushing the tangles out of our pets (even longer for larger dogs). Instead of a soft gel handle, it has a non-slip rubber handle—not as luxe. Like the GoPets comb, Maxpower’s brush has rounded ends to ensure the teeth don’t scratch or irritate the skin, while the slightly sharpened safety blades cut through mats easily.