03/15/2023
The severely matted pet. Professional groomers see these cases more often than we would like. They can be heartbreaking because we understand the pain and disease that often accompany these cases. Here are a few things to understand about matted coats:
1. Severely matted coats cannot simply be 'brushed out'. Yes, a few matts that are not matted to skin can be brushed out, but sever matting means shaving. There is not an option to 'leave the coat fluffy' because clipper blades must pass under matts not through them. This often means a very short shave.
2. When the coat is severely matted, often referred to as pelted, the coat cannot properly regulate body temperature. Both canines and felines use thermoregulation to keep the body cool or warm depending on the weather. This means the body struggles much harder to maintain normal temperature.
3. Matted coats are almost always accompanied by some type of skin disease. Matting holds excess moisture and bacteria and/or fungus near the skin. As the natural microbiome is decreased, the skin becomes susceptible to infection from these diseases.
4. Matted coats are painful and that's a fact. The extra weight pulls on the skin causing discomfort. When matting is present around legs, ears, or tail, proper movement can become impeded and painful. This is why we term this 'neglectful abuse'. This type of matting does not occur overnight.
If your pet's coat has gotten out of control, contact your professional groomer NOW. The longer you wait, the worse it will be and the more the pet suffers.
