08/18/2025
Hello everyone, I wanted to discuss a common topic among pet owners. ✨Matting!✨
🔹What is matting? How do I prevent it? How come you have to shave my dog/cat when they’re matted?🔹
🔹What is matting?🔹
▫️Matting happens when a pet’s fur gets tangled and clumped together into thick, tight knots. Mats can trap dirt and moisture and even cause skin problems, infections, redness, and bruising.
🔹How to prevent matting?🔹
▫️Regular brushing: Brush your pet’s fur often (daily or weekly depending) to keep it tangle-free.
▫️Use the right tools: Use brushes or combs designed for your pet’s hair type. I always recommend a slicker brush with long pins and a fine-toothed metal comb. I can send you links to the correct tools.
▫️Learn how to brush properly: Are you brushing frequently, but your pet is still matted? There’s a brushing technique called line brushing. I can show you, or there are plenty of demo videos online! If you aren’t brushing properly, that could be why your pet is still matting up.
▫️Regular professional grooming: Keeping your pet on a regular grooming schedule is imperative to mat prevention! Additionally, dirt and moisture can make tangles worse, so regular baths help. Do not bathe at home if any matting or knots are present. Please allow your groomer to take care of it, as this will tighten them further. If you are bathing at home, make sure a comb can easily glide through the coat.
🔹Why does a groomer sometimes have to shave mats instead of brushing them out?🔹
▫️Humanity over vanity: Personally, I practice what’s called humanity over vanity. I understand you love the fluffiness! But your pet's comfort and well-being are more important. The hair will grow back, and we can discuss a plan to achieve the fluff and prevent it from happening again in the future!
▫️Why can’t you just brush it? When mats get very tight and thick, brushing IS painful or impossible. Trying to brush out mats will pull on your pet’s skin and hurt them. So, groomers shave off the mats carefully to keep the pet comfortable and healthy.