01/09/2025
We’ve had a number of dogs come in recently with severely matted coats, and I just want to clarify a few important points.
✨ SHAVING IS NEVER MY FIRST CHOICE✨
No groomer enjoys having to shave a dog — it’s not the “easy” option. In fact, it requires a great deal of time, patience, and skill to do it safely without causing discomfort or damage to the skin and coat.
✨MATTED COATS✨
If your dog is severely matted, brushing out the tangles & mats would be painful and inhumane. In these cases, the kindest option is a clip-down.
This gives your dog comfort and a fresh start.
REMEMBER HAIR GROWS BACK!
Mats pull on the skin, trap dirt and moisture, and can hide sores, fleas, or even wounds. Shaving them off is not “easy” — it’s time-consuming, tough on blades, and can be extremely stressful for both dog and groomer.
✨ HUMANITY OVER VANITY ✨
My priority will always be your dog’s comfort and wellbeing. Sometimes that means a clip-down is the kindest option❤️🩹
If you’re looking for someone who puts style before welfare, I may not be the right groomer for you — and that’s okay. 🐾
✨ OWNER RESPONSIBILITY ✨
It is your responsibility to maintain your dog’s coat between grooms. Breeds such as doodles, cockapoos, bichons, and other long or curly-coated dogs need thorough brushing and combing every other day to stay healthy and mat-free.
✨Please don’t assume that if we say a coat is matted, it’s because we’re being “lazy” or don’t want to do a fluffy cut — that is never the case. Severe matting simply cannot be brushed out without causing pain, so shaving is often the only humane solution✨
⚠️ Why There’s an Extra Charge for Severely Matted Dogs ⚠️
When we shave through heavy mats, it blunts our blades very quickly. Each blade costs £10–£13 to sharpen, and we may go through several on just one dog.
This extra wear-and-tear, plus the extra time it takes to remove mats safely, is why there may be an additional charge if your dog comes in severely matted.
💡 Prevention is key. Regular at-home coat care, paired with routine grooming appointments, keeps your dog comfortable, healthy, and looking their best. If you’re ever unsure about brushing techniques or tools, we’re always happy to offer advice.
And finally, PLEASE BE KIND!!
We understand it can be disappointing if your dog needs to be clipped short, but our priority is always their comfort and welfare. Rudeness towards our groomers will not be tolerated under any circumstances — we are here to help you and your dog.
Thanks so much,
Kelly 🙏💛
