In the world of pet grooming, we often have to say things that customers don’t want to hear. The most common? “Your dog is too matted for that cute haircut. We have to shave it.” We get it. You come in looking for a trim for your pet and we basically tell you we have no choice but to cut it all off. We don’t want to have to shave your dog completely, but sometimes we don’t have a choice. It’s disappointing for you, and it’s disappointing for us.

But that’s not all. Matting is hard on your dog, too. Matted fur can pull skin and cause irritation, prevent your pup from properly self-grooming, hide sores, trap dirt, bugs, and odors, and can ultimately prove painful for your pet when the time comes to remove the matting. We’ve seen some awful cases of severely matted pets! Don’t let your dog be one of them by following these seven easy steps.

1. Brush your dog (and cat!) regularly.

Pets with shorter hair may only need brushing once a week; for longer-haired pets, they may need to be brushed daily or every other day. Make it a part of your pet’s routine!

Different brushes for different coats

Regular brushing can also help with early detection of skin issues, help with shedding by removing loose hair (trust us- better to collect that shedded fur on your brush than your floor!), and helps distribute their natural oils for a shiny, healthy coat.

While many pets love being brushed, if yours is nervous, let them sniff the brush or comb first, provide treats, speak softly, and keep sessions short at first. With time, you’ll be able to increase brushing time until it becomes a favorite activity!

2. remove small tangles when you find them.

Small tangles eventually become big ones, so get rid of them when you first find them! If you can’t work out a knot with your hands or gently brush it out with your comb, carefully cut it out.

3. have your pet professionally groomed regularly.

In addition to regular brushing, your pet will benefit from regular grooming. A professional bath with pet-specific detangling shampoos and conditioners, a complete brush-out, and a fresh haircut go a long way in keeping your pet’s coat clean, shiny, and healthy.

A healthy dog is a happy dog!

If your dog or cat is already matted, even just a little bit, take them to the groomer for a shave-down and start fresh. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse! We know many of our pet parents love keeping their dogs and cats long-haired but a proper trim or shave is sometimes the only option for severely matted pets. So their hair may be shorter than you like for a bit– that’s okay! The hair will grow back and, through proper maintenance, you’ll be enjoying your pet’s silky long hair in no time!

Remember…

With severely matted pets, a shave-down will be the most humane option. Heavy mats pull at the skin, and attempting to brush them out will be a long and painful process for your pet. To prevent this from happening, remember to properly maintain your pet’s coat!

Ready to call in the pros?