Acting In The Best Interest Of The Pet
Preventing matts is easier than you think. There is a difference between light matting that groomers see every day and excessive matting.
The best way to avoid the entire situation is by regular brushing. Long haired dogs benefit from a head to tail going over three to four times a week. Short haired dogs may only need to be done one or two times a week. When starting at a young age with positive reinforcement and a calm environment this can become a wonderful bonding time!
Most dogs do not have the pain tolerance or patience to sit through and submit to a de-matting process that could be traumatic, scarring them for the rest of their grooming life.
​
But Let's Wind Back ...what does it feel like to the dog when they have matts? To get an idea twist a section of your hair until it starts tightening and becomes uncomfortable...then twist a little more. Imagine your dog withstanding this discomfort or pain over several areas of their body! Dogs are amazingly stoic.
​
The environment underneath matts deserves consideration. Because air circulation has been decreased when matts are close to the skin, many conditions may be hidden that shaving reveals. They may include the following:
*Sores
*Moist dermatitis
*Infections
*Demodectic mange
*Scarred skin from extended exposure to urine and feces
​
During the shaving process the skin under matts is more likely to be prone to nicks and irritation even when the utmost care is taken.