Coat Care
Coat Care
All you need to know about matted coats.
As stated in the Animal Welfare Act 2006 clause 5. “animals are to be protected from pain, injury and suffering” here at L.A.C Groomers we will remove matted coats by the safest, humane methods to ensure no distress is caused to your beloved companion.
Brushing out of small knots may be possible but matting will be shaved in order for us to comply with the Law.
Matts are a serious problem and can be harmful to your pet’s well being. Often people obtaining a puppy or new dog are not aware of how much time and care is required to properly maintain their chosen breed and it is usually unintentional that they allow their coats to become matted.
If the matts are not removed., matts can become so tight it can tear the skin and cut blood circulation off to areas that are affected. Matting can also restrict your pooches movement, they are literally a prisoner in their own coat. Some pet owners think that because the dog is chewing and scratching there must be a flea or possible skin problem…. but this is not always the case, many problems can result from the presence of matts. Often matting will also hide other problems such as sores, cuts, infections and even maggots often result from un-maintained coats.
Why did my pet become matted?
Dogs become matted very easily when the pet’s coat has not been properly cared for. Many pet owners do not take the time to maintain there pets coats. Often they do not understand or have not been advised on how to properly comb and brush their pet.
Combing and brushing needs to be done on a regular basis, and your pet should be taught from a puppy to accept grooming as part of its daily routine. A dog cannot brush its self, and home care is a part of the responsibility that you accept when owing a companion animal.
Does matting hurt my dog?
Dogs become matted very easily when the pet’s coat has not been properly cared for. Many pet owners do not take the time to maintain there pets coats. Often they do not understand or have not been advised on how to properly comb and brush their pet.
Combing and brushing needs to be done on a regular basis, and your pet should be taught from a puppy to accept grooming as part of its daily routine. A dog cannot brush its self, and home care is a part of the responsibility that you accept when owing a companion animal.
What if I can’t get the matts out?
If the matts are not brushed out before they become too tight to remove safely, they will eventually become an extreme health hazard to your pet. In the worst case, the mats can rip the skin. Bathing the pet will just make it worse, and the matts will weave tighter and pull harder on the skin. About the only humane way to remove matts at this stage is to have the pet shaved “its only fur, yes it will grow back in no time” even then, the pet will be at risk from clipper burn and possible nicks from the clipper blades as matts are usually very close to the skin.
This is especially dangerous for puppies. NEVER try to remove matts with scissors, as the skin can be easily cut open unintentionally. Fleas and ticks can hide under matted coats making it almost impossible to get rid of them, if the matts cover the ‘private’ areas, urine and faeces will be pressed against the skin or stick in the coat, causing further irritation and possible infection and rotting of the coat and skin.
How can I keep my pet matt free?
The amount of coat care will depend on how much coat your pet has. Medium to long coats, and those with more undercoat will require more attention than short coats. Even short coats need some kind of attention.
The proper tools are essential, the Basic tools required for most coats consist of: metal comb, preferably stainless steel, de-matt spray with silicon and slicker brush.
Depending on your particular breed other tools may be recommended. These tools should be available from a local Pet Supply store or online.
I have the tools, now what do I do?
On most breeds it is recommended to start at the bottom of the feet and pushing the coat up with one hand begin using the slicker to brush the coat below with your other hand, the slicker should be used to pull down a small bit of hair at a time, brushing all the way to the skin, work your way up using this method. Once you have gone over the entire coat you can then use the comb to run thought the coat and find any tangles and knots you have missed. Make sure that you can part the coat to the skin with the comb.
Many people spend plenty of time brushing there dog only to find that they have merely been brushing over the top and the coat they thought was well brushed is in fact solidly matted near the skin.
I found a matt.
Now is when you use a little elbow grease and ALOT of care. Matts are usually in delicate areas, and since they were formed, they have been tugging on the dog’s skin. That means, if you are not gentle, it will hurt a lot when you pull. You must hold the mat in one hand, dampen with the spray, and work it a few hairs at a time to break it up. If you have not taught your dog to be handled for brushing & combing then you’ll have quite a job on your hands and will probably need the help of another person to hold the dog.
Why not just take the dog to a Groomer?
Yes, you can take your dog to the Groomer to have it properly groomed, but do not expect de-matting to be a regular part of your grooming. It takes extra time and care to de-matt a pet, and you will be charged an additional fee for it on top of your regular grooming charge. Do not be surprised if your Groomer will not de-matt, if the matting is too extensive the only humane option will be to shave your pet. A caring groomer will not torture a pet because you do not want it shaved.
Remember, it is not the Groomers fault your pet has fallen into this condition.
We are more than happy to point you in the correct direction when it comes to grooming your dog at home, just ask and we can show you the best way!
HERE AT L.A.C GROOMERS THE DOGS WELFARE COMES BEFORE THE OWNERS VANITY
L.A.C GROOMERS
