A matted coat is usually caused by neglect, not enough professional grooming, a lack of brushing, or sometimes fleas or skin allergies which make a dog scratch, all of these can cause knots. A matted coat is extremely uncomfortable for a dog, often inhibiting it’s ability to move freely and pulling on the skin.
Usually, the only solution for a matted coat is to clip it off. The clippers need to get under the knots and extremely close to the skin, this in itself can sometimes cause problems, such as skin irritations, as the skin is suddenly ‘released’ from the coat, causing itching, which the dog will want to scratch, which will in turn irritate and so on, therefore they will often develop a rash.
It is much more difficult for a groomer to clip off a matted coat as the knots pull the skin up towards the clippers, making it easier to accidentally nick the dog. They will often act differently after having a severley matted coat removed, going from one extreme to another and therefore may act strangely afterwards.
Other than the obvious discomfort, matted fur inhibits air getting to the coat, and is perfect breeding ground for bacteria causing skin irritations and problems, if your dog gets wet, knots hold moisture for a long time, close to the dog’s skin, which is cold and also causes bacterial problems.
Think about it – would we feel happy, healthy and comfortable with a head full of matted hair? Even if it was cold and someone thought it might keep us warm? The health of a dog’s skin and coat is often overlooked when people consider the grooming needs of their pet. Your dog is covered in it’s coat -from head to tail – so obviously it is just as important to look after as the rest of them!
If we suggest your dogs coat needs to be clipped off it is for the benefit of your dog, it doesn’t always look great but sometimes there are no other options.
And remember, if you don’t want your dogs coat clipping short you must keep on top of it’s grooming.
For more grooming advice or a grooming demonstration please speak to one of the girls in the shop, we are more than happy to help.