“Matting” refers to densely tangled clumps of fur in a pet’s coat. If a coat is not properly and/or frequently brushed, loose and live hair become embedded in large masses. Sometimes mats can be combed out, but if left too long, it is impossible without seriously harming the animal.

Matts can form in both the outer coat as well as the deeper undercoat. Sometimes sever mats form in the undercoat and are unnoticeable because of a heavy outer coat. If left completely unattended, a pet’s fur can become entirely matted to such an extent that the only recourse is to shave the entire coat.

Matting is especially prevalent in long-hair dogs during seasonal shedding if the excessive hairs are not removed. Regular and frequent grooming is absolutely necessary to not only prevent matts, but to keep your pet’s coat and skin healthy.

Severe matting can be extremely painful to your dog during brushing. Brushing only causes live hairs to be pulled out of the skin with excruciating pain. Even mild matting can cause your pet a great deal of pain.

Matting can cut off blood supply to extremities and deny regular air circulation. Skin denied fresh air and stimulation from brushing becomes unhealthy. It can turn dark pink or red, and causing open sores which emit foul odors. Matts are known to contain stool of your pet and even fly larvae that further irritate the skin. Remember, sometimes these dangers may be completely hidden from view and may require a veterinarian visit.

Throughout the grooming industry, the term “dematting” simply means to rip the matts from the dog’s skin. Many groomers will do this with not regard for your dogs comfort in order to make money. At Animal Antics, we will not remove matts that will hurt your pet. Severe matts will be shaved, but only after consulting you.

Shaving a matted coat is a delicate and slow process requiring experience and expertise. A dog’s skin is thin like tissue paper, and dense matts can cause it to become loose due to the weight of the matting. Clippers can easily cut loose skin if not done carefully enough.

After shaving, a pet may develop an itchy skin response. Owners should watch to ensure that constant scratching does not cause the skin to become irritated.

Dead loose hairs should be removed through and thorough brushing. This is especially important for long-haired dogs and when dogs shed seasonally. Brushing also aerates the fur and skin. Regular professional grooming is essential because at Animal Antics, we thoroughly bathe and brush with particular attention to areas where matts form. Keeping your dog’s hair at a manageable length also helps to prevent matting.

Grooming must occur every 4-6 weeks—after 8-10 weeks a coat may become too dirty and matted to maintain, depending on the breed and lifestyle of your dog.

Regular grooming means less matting. Call and book your groom with us today!