GroomingDales
Matting is a very common, yet very serious problem and can be detrimental to your pets well being. Many owners do not understand how uncomfortable this form of knotting can make their pet. Unfortunately this can be attributed to new owners not being fully aware of how much time and care is required to properly maintain their chosen breed.
Matting can be not only unattractive, but harbour odors, debris and even parasites. Unfortunately, moisture added to the mix can cause major skin issues such as fungus and/or lesions.
Your pet may chew, scratch at themselves and suffer greatly if the matting is not remedied. Matts can
become so tight it can restrict proper circulation that can only be compared to having a very tight ponytail in your hair for a serious amount of time. Matting
can even restrict your pet’s movement making walking painful and running almost impossible. Some pet
owners mistake chewing and scratching for a flea or
skin problem but are unaware that matting can
manifest the same symptoms but can take much more cost and effort to remedy.
Inspect these areas frequently and ensure thurough brushing.
Behind the Ears
On both sides of the ear leather
Under your pets collar.
In the armpits
The crotch area (including on each side of testicles)
The tail (top and bottom)
Any place where friction is present, matts will quickly arise if not brushed and thuroughly combed properly.
A badly matted animal can become a prisoner in it's own hair.
Why did my pet become matted?
Quite simply, you failed to brush your pet's coat adaquatly. Many pet owners do not take the time to maintain thier pets coats. Often they do not understand or have been advised how to properly comb and brush their chosen breed. Combing and brushing needs to be done on a regular basis. It is often unpractical to brush a dog fully each day but can easily be scheduled to brush one leg each day the back and belly on another and after brushing the head on the last day, you will still have one day of rest. Your dog should be taught from puppy hood to have grooming as part of it's daily routine. As an owner, you must be prepared to undertake these duties or at least have you dog groomed frequently (at least monthly if you dont brush often)
I will not in any case brush out severe matting on any pet for any reason. Matting is Painful! Imagine how your head would feel if your hair was in dreadlocked. Imagine trying to brush those dreds out. Now imagine how your pet feels and imagine having your whole body dematted OUCH!! On pets, it can be much more complicated as matts occur in the groin area, in armpits, around tails. These areas move when the pet move, and the hair is constantly being tugged. Pet’s skin is just as sensitive as our own skin.
Know that bathing the pet will just make it worse, and the matts will stretch when wet and weave tighter and pull harder on the skin as they dry. The only humane way to remove matts at this stage is to have the pet shaved. Even then, the pet will be at risk from clipper burn and possible nicks from the clipper blades as mats are usually very close to the skin. This is especially dangerous for puppies. NEVER try to remove mats with scissors, as the skin can be easily cut open unintentionally. Fleas and ticks can hide under matted coats making their extermination almost impossible, If the mats cover the 'private' areas, urine and feces will be pressed against the skin or stick in the coat, causing further irritation and possible infection and rotting of the coat and skin. Un neutered males can also be in great danger of having their testicles matt to thier legs and extreme damage can be done.
How can I keep my pet mat free?
The amount of coat care will depend on how much coat your pet has. Medium to long coats, and those with more undercoat will require more attention than short coats. The proper tools are essential. The Basic tools required for most coats consist of:
A metal comb, preferably stainless steel.
A slicker brush.
Dry cornstarch
Depending on your particular breed other tools may be recommended. These tools should be available from a local Pet Supply store or online. I will be available to help you find the proper tools.
I have the tools, now what do I do?
On most breeds it is recommended to start at the bottom of the feet and pushing the coat up with one hand begin using the slicker to brush the coat below with your other hand, the slicker should be used to pull down a small bit of hair at a time, brushing all the way to the skin. This method is called 'line brushing' as you can see a line of skin. If skin isn't visible, you are not getting all the knots out. Work your way up using this method. Once you have gone over the entire coat (or leg if you are using the leg a day method) you can then use the comb to run thought the coat and find any tangles and knots you have missed. Make sure that you can part the coat to the skin with the comb. Many people spend plenty of time brushing there dog only to find that they have merely been brushing over the top and the coat they though was well brushed is in fact solidly matted near the skin. Dont just focus on the dog's back, they have legs and ears and facial hair as well!
I Found A Mat!
Matts can usually be found in delicate areas, and since they were formed, they have been tugging on the dogs skin. That means, if you are not gentle, it will hurt a lot when you pull.
1. Hold the mat in one hand, apply regular cornstarch and pull the matt apart with your fingers before attempting to use your slicker brush.
2.Brush through the pulled apart area to remove the dead hair and break apart the remaining matting.
3.Once the knot has been brushed, follow up with your comb to catch any remnants.
If you have not taught your dog to be handled for brushing & combing then you'll have quite a job on your hands and will probably need the help of another person to hold the dog.
Why not just take the dog to a Groomer?
Yes, you can bring your dog in to be properly groomed, but do not expect dematting to be a regular part of your grooming. It takes extra time and care to dematt a pet, and you will be charged an additional fee for it on top of your regular grooming charge for minimal matting. For extensive matting, the only option I will give you is to shave your pet. A caring groomer will not torture a pet because you do not want it shaved. Remember, it is not the Groomers fault your pet has fallen into this condition and I can't undo possible months of non brushing in one day :)
Care
Home
Reviews
Trish
F.a.q.
Matting
Rates
Contact