A few weeks ago, we had a first time client come into the shop. When she scheduled her appointment, she told me that her dog was matted. We see all kinds of matted dogs, so it wasn't a big deal. She brought the dog the next day. She explained to us that it had been so hot, that she showed her dog how to get into the pool. Then once her dog got out of the pool he would go and roll in the dirt and get back in the pool. I don't know about you but I know what chlorine does to my hair and I wouldn't want that on my dog. But, everyone is different. Once it started getting matted she tried to trim the mats out herself. Grooming a dog isn't like cutting a child's bangs. She was really embarrassed to bring her dog to us in this bad shape. I told her no worries. If all dogs looked perfect all the time, we wouldn't be in business.
I don't think a lot of owner realize what happens when a mat gets wet. This is the same thing we explained to our client.
If you see little snarls or mats in your dogs hair. Brush them out, especially if they will be getting wet. This is only the beginning of more troubles for your dog.
If your dogs has large clumped mats. Bring your dog to the groomer, so that they can help. Please do not let the dog near water until those clumps are gone.
If your dog has mats that you can not get your fingers under, this is the worst case scenario. Get your dog to the groomer. Do not let near water.
What happens when your dog has a mat and it gets wet, is, the water pulls the mat tights to the skin. When the mat is tight to the skin, it pulls the blood to the surface. It also, may cause itching and irritation. We have seen mats so tight on a dog that the dog could barely walk. A lot of clients tell us that, their dog doesn't like to be brushed. For the health and welfare of your dogs, it needs to be something that is figured out.
Back to our first time client. Her dog was so matted we had to try really hard to get our fingers between the fur and the skin to open up the mat. Clippers would not go through it. Once we got an opening we could use the clippers. Since his mats were so bad, we had to shave the dog down completely. I have pictures to show you step by step what we had to do. We had to continue giving him breaks, because it hurt to get all the mats off. Just from pulling alone.
Please when you are petting your dog if you notice any mats take care of them or let a professional take care of them before it gets too serious.
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