Is That Matty? The pet care line built on love — and science.
- Jessica Schmitt
- Jun 1
- 2 min read
When Olive Tree People founder Thomas Lommel lost his beloved dog Matty earlier this year, he did what creators do: He channeled that grief into something lasting. The result is Is That Matty? — a first-of-its-kind pet care collection that asks the same question we ask about our own skincare: What's actually in this, and does it actually work?
"Is that Matty?" — It was a question heard constantly around the streets of Venice Beach. Everyone knew him. Everyone loved him.
In memory of Matty Lommel, February 2025
The science
Your dog's skin is more fragile than you think
Most of us assume dog skin is tough — they roll in mud, run through brush, swim in lakes. But the biology tells a very different story.
Dogs have dramatically thinner and more vulnerable skin than humans. Understanding that changes everything about how we should be formulating pet products.
Dr. Lindsey Wendt — OTP In-House Holistic Veterinarian
With a skin barrier up to five times thinner than ours, dogs are significantly more sensitive to irritants, allergens, and the harsh ingredients lurking in most pet shampoos. And once that cycle starts, it's hard to stop.
3–5
Outer skin barrier layers in dogs
10–15
Outer skin barrier layers in humans
The formulas
Bioactive ingredients first. Not water.
Most pet products are 70–80% water, heavily diluted, and packed with preservatives to make up for it. Is That Matty? follows the same founding philosophy as Olive Tree People's human skincare: lead with what actually does something.
The collection is powered by olive-derived actives — rich in polyphenols and skin-supportive compounds — alongside a thoughtfully curated supporting cast:
Hydroxytyrosol
Antioxidant, calming, and antimicrobial support — the crown jewel of the olive.
Silver
Supports a balanced, healthy skin microbiome.
Oat Kernel Flour
Gentle soothing support during the cleansing process.
Shea Butter + Olive Fruit Oil
Deep moisture and barrier repair, together.
Chamomile + Calendula
Calming botanicals for irritated, reactive skin.
The collection
Four products. One complete system.
Vet tips
Getting the most out of bath time
Use lukewarm or cool water — not hot — to protect the skin barrier during bathing.
Let the shampoo sit for 5–10 minutes before rinsing when possible for best results.
If your dog uses flea or tick treatments, bathe 48 hours before or after application.
Cats are not yet officially approved — their self-grooming behavior requires further study.
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