05/13/2020
Let's talk M A T T I N G ! Q&A 💜
Q. What is a mat?
A. A mat is a tightly tangled clump of hair, sometimes covering the whole body of severely matted dogs.
Q. How do you prevent matting?
A. Lots of regular brushing! If you're looking to maintain a long length, they may need to be brushed up to twice a day. Make sure you are brushing right from the skin to the ends, then going through everything with a metal comb to ensure there's no tangles left. Leave-in conditioners can also help with brushing.
Q. How can I tell if my dog's coat is matted?
A. I've often had clients who had no idea their dog was matted - even though they've been brushing at home, but only the outer coat was brushed out and the hair closest to the skin was tightly matted. The most important thing is making sure you're brushing right to the skin, and then able to comb through everything with a metal comb. If you're not able to get a comb through your dog's coat, then there are still tangles or mats.
Q. What risks are associated with mats?
A. Mats can pull the skin and be quite uncomfortable for your dog, and tighter mats pose more risks including skin irritations and hematomas if found on the ears.
Q. How do I remove mats?
A. You can start by gently breaking it apart with your fingers and using a dematting tool to work through it (being careful not scratch the skin). If there's too many mats, they're too dense, or too close to the skin, the only safe way to remove them is to shave them out. Scissors should never be used to remove mats, as it can be very easy to cut the skin.
Q. Can you still keep my dog's hair long if it's matted?
A. Taking into consideration the severity of the mats, how much your dog is willing to tolerate, and how much time it would be to attempt to demat, I may be able to maintain a longer length. Unfortunately if your dog is too matted, the only safe option is to shave out the mats with a short enough blade to get under them. At times I may be able to spot shave out the mats and blend them into a longer length to the best of my ability.
The most important thing for me is your dog's safety and comfort. Removing mats is a timely and often uncomfortable process for your dog, and often the best option for your dog is to shave the hair short. And hair grows back! If your dog is severely matted at home while salons are closed I would not suggest grooming at home (shaving mats is a delicate process and it's easy to cut the skin) and I would discuss potential options with your vet. Please feel free to message me with any questions or concerns 💜
