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The M Word

Updated: Mar 4

Hi guys, welcome to our FIRST blog post! - Matting

The most common thing we hear in the salon is that owners 'don't think' their dog is matted... So we're going to tell you a little more about what matting is, what it looks like, and how to avoid it.


WHAT IS MATTING? - Matting is when hair knots together to form tight balls of hair/fur. If left un-brushed, matting can become very tight to the skin, be very painful to brush through, and cause the skin underneath to become hot, dry and sore. It can also hide fleas, developing skin conditions and hot spots. Matting can occur in wool coated breeds, double coated shedding breeds, spaniels, terriers etc. The most common dogs in the salon we see with extensive matting in are Cockapoo, Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, Cavapoo, Cavapoochon, Bichon Frise and large shedding breeds such as Samoyed, German Shephard, Husky etc. The only breeds which have coats basically impossible to matt are short shedding breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, Staffordshire Bull Terriers etc.



 


WHAT DOES MATTING LOOK LIKE? - Below are some photos of matting in different breeds. The easiest way to tell if your dog is matted is to feel it, everywhere! If your fingers catch, the fur feels thicker in places, or you feel balls of hair, those are matts. Sometimes they can't be seen just from looking at your dog, you will need to separate and move the hair to see.






 


THE MOST COMMON AREAS FOR MATTING - Are the neck, ears, armpits, legs, belly, chest & tail, but they can occur all over your dogs body if their coats aren't upkept.



 

Advice for at home:

Don't

Do

  • Rub your dog with a towel

  • Pat your dog dry

  • Wait for your dog to be matted before you brush them

  • Pro-actively brush your dog and stick to a regular schedule of doing so

  • Let your dog dry naturally and avoid brushing

  • Blow Dry and brush your dog's coat after they've got wet, or if you do let it naturally dry then give them a really good brush and comb through afterwards

  • Only get your dog groomed for special occasions

  • Set a regular grooming schedule for your dog, either at home or at a professional salon and stick to it

  • Use the wrong tools!

  • Ask your groomer what tools they would recommend for you to use at home. Each grooming tool is designed for different coat types, so ensuring you are using the right tools is imperative to avoid matting

  • Let your dog wear coats, harnesses, collars for long periods of time without removing them

  • Remove all accessories from your dog before brushing/combing, you need to be brushing everywhere, especially in places where accessories like collars and coats cause friction

  • Use human shampoos and conditioners

  • Use canine specific shampoos and products designed for your dog's coat type.

  • Leave mud/debris in your dog's fur after a walk

  • Thoroughly clean out your dog's fur, mud etc. will cause the fur to clump together and matt - especially in between their pads!

  • Leave your dog unchecked if they're biting at their skin in any area routinely

  • Itchy skin, anxiety or other medical conditions can cause your dog to excessively lick/bite at their own legs, bum, tail etc. which causes matting. Always get them checked by a vet if you have any concerns about excessive licking, biting or chewing





 

Why do groomers have to shave matted dogs?


  1. A Fresh Start

Shaving off a matted coat provides a fresh start for your dog's grooming journey. By removing the mats entirely, groomers can alleviate any discomfort your pet may be experiencing and prevent further complications. It allows the groomer to thoroughly examine the skin for any underlying issues, such as infections or parasites, that may have been hidden beneath the matts.


2. Safety & Efficiency

Shaving off a matted coat is not only the most humane option but also the safest and most efficient. Groomers use specialized clippers with blades that can safely glide underneath the matts, minimizing the risk of accidental cuts or injuries. Shaving off the coat allows groomers to work quickly and effectively, ensuring that your dog's grooming experience is as stress-free as possible.


3. Promoting a Healthy Coat:

Once the matted coat is removed, your dog's skin can breathe, and their coat can grow back healthier and be more manageable. Regular grooming and brushing after the shave will help prevent future matting and maintain a beautiful, tangle-free coat. Your Groomer can provide guidance on proper brushing techniques and recommend suitable grooming tools to keep your dog's coat in optimal condition.



 


The aftermath


While it may be disheartening to see your dog's matted coat shaved off, it is important to understand that groomers make this decision out of compassion and concern for your pet's well-being. Shaving off severely matted coats is necessary to alleviate discomfort, prevent further complications, and promote a healthy coat. Trust in the expertise of professional groomers who prioritize your dog's comfort and safety, and work together to establish a grooming routine that keeps your furry friend looking and feeling their best.


A lot of owners worry about the look of their dog, rather than the wellbeing of their dog. Honestly, your dog won't be 'sad' because they've been shaved down, they'll feel over the moon that they're free from the pain/discomfort their matting would have been causing them when they move around.


We've had owners say their dog was acting 'strange' after a short cut - they were doing zoomies around the house and had lots of energy which was 'unlike' their usual self. The truth is, the dog was happy to be able to move around without any matts tugging on their armpits, thighs, ears etc. and was now living it's best life.



 


The moral to the story


Be prepared to research your dog's coat type and put in the right amount of work at home to keep it in good condition. If you do, then great! Your dog will likely be loving life, have a positive grooming experience, and be able to have the style you want them to after a trip to the Groomers. However, if you don't properly keep on top of your dog's coat at home, and matting forms that cannot be very easily brushed out without causing your dog any pain, then they'll unfortunately have to be taken short to remove it.


If you need any advice on correct tools, brushing technique or frequency for grooming then get in touch or leave us a comment, we'll be more than happy to help you out!






Hannah Massey

The Dog Retreat Spa



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