DO MATS MATTER?
DO MATS MATTER?
Yes! Matted hair is a problem.

Matting is most common on non-shedding breeds of dogs. Matting ranges from harmless to dangerous. A few small mats are common in the wet weather, especially around a dog's ears or collar, and in between the legs. When matting gets close to the skin, there are many mats and/or they knit together, it can become a real problem for your dog.

Heavy matting can be serious. Matted hair can hold tears, faeces and urine next to the skin. This can cause irritation, pain, and potential skin infections. If left for a long time this can cause hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) and/or hyperkeratosis (elephant skin). Heavily matted hair can change a dog's movement, cut off circulation, or hide infected wounds. In an extreme case, matting can tighten around a dog's leg or tail, slowly constricting until it has cut through to the bone!

In addition to health problems, matting can have a serious effect on your budget! When matting gets close to the skin, or there are many mats, it adds to the time our Groomer spends with your dog - causing a knock on effect for your groomer and ultimately costing you move as your groomer will charge by the hour.  Manual dematting or a close shave ‘all off’ is both uncomfortable and distressing for your dog, and your groomer. If matting has felted and close to the skin there is a risk of injury during the clipping process. .

Shaving the hair off the dog is a temporary solution - and a poor one. For a close shave, if a clipper cannot slide between your dog's skin and the matting, dematting is necessary to begin removing hair. In this scenario, it is rarely possible for your dog to come home with a cute, even shave. Close shaves - with or without mats - have their own risk. Close shaves require changing and cooling blades of the clipper to protect dogs from heat burns. Friction burns (like a rope burn) are unfortunately possible because the moving parts of the clipper are so close to the dog's skin. If a dog with a plush coat is to have a lamb, or fluffy, cut, the coat must be completely free of all mats and tangles. Even while working quickly with a cooperative dog, dematting is expense, as 30-minute extra charges can add up fast!

It might not save time to wait so long in between grooming appointments. Grooming cost can be minimized by taking care of your dog's coat at home. (SEE my Grooming Schedule By Breed under My Dog).
  • Start with a healthy coat. If your dog's coat is damaged or beginning to tangle, contact your groomer if you do not already have an appointment booked.  Removing broken hair, split ends, and loose hairs prevents matting. A close trim in places where matting is beginning can give 6 - 8 weeks free of matting in those areas.
  • Ask me how to maintain your dog's coat. Before you go home, ask what comb or brush is correct for your dog's hair type. I will show you the correct brush / comb and show you how to use it at home. 
  • Comb or brush your dog at least once a week but ideally based on your dog’s coat type. (SEE Coats Types article for how to look after your dog’s coat based on the coat type)
  • If your dog is impatient or uncooperative, ask me for help teaching your dog to enjoy combing or brushing at home. 
  • If you do not have the time to carefully brush / comb and detangle your dog's hair before a bath, don't bathe your dog at home. Bathing tightens mats and making them even more difficult to remove.
  • Do not try to remove mats with scissors at home. It is too easy to injure your dog! If your dog only needs a few mats trimmed out, but isn't ready for a complete groom, schedule an appointment for dematting only.
COVID-19 –If you start to see mats and they cannot be brushed and combed out and you are worried and need advice please contact me (whether you are a customer of mine or not) and I will try to help you and provide advice and support.
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