"Matting" is densely tangled clumps of fur in a pet's coat. If a coat is not properly or frequently brushed, loose and live hair become embedded in large masses. Sometimes "matts" can be combed out, but if left too long, it is impossible without seriously harming the animal. Matts can form in both the outer coat as well as the undercoat. Sometimes severe mats are unnoticeable because of a heavy outer coat. If left unattended, a pet's fur can become entirely matted to such an extent that the only recourse is to shave the entire coat.
Dangers of Matting
Severe matting can be extremely painful to your dog during brushing. Brushing only causes live hairs to be pulled out of the skin with excruciating pain. Even mild matting that to you looks not serious can be extremely painful to your dog.
Matting can also cut off blood supply to extremities and prevent regular air circulation. Matting can also cause hematomas (swelling of clotted blood within the tissues). Matting can cause irritation to the skin, as well as any type of infection ranging from yeast to bacterial infections.
Removing Matts
Very, very minor matting can often be brushed out, however, here at Bows & Bones we put your dog's comfort before vanity and we will not attempt to get out the matts via brushing if it is causing pain to your dog.
We do not recommend removing matts at home, as you can seriously harm your dog by doing it improperly or risk cutting your dog.
If matting is too severe, dogs may need to be referred to a vet to remove the matting, which can lead to additional cost, sedation, etc. In severe cases, some dogs have had extremities removed in order to survive due to consequences of neglecting matting.
Preventing Matts
Dead, loose hairs should be removed through regular and thorough brushing. This is especially important for long haired dogs. Keeping your dog's hair at a manageable length also helps to prevent matting. Regular, professional grooming is essential as well for preventing matting.
Dangers of Matting
Severe matting can be extremely painful to your dog during brushing. Brushing only causes live hairs to be pulled out of the skin with excruciating pain. Even mild matting that to you looks not serious can be extremely painful to your dog.
Matting can also cut off blood supply to extremities and prevent regular air circulation. Matting can also cause hematomas (swelling of clotted blood within the tissues). Matting can cause irritation to the skin, as well as any type of infection ranging from yeast to bacterial infections.
Removing Matts
Very, very minor matting can often be brushed out, however, here at Bows & Bones we put your dog's comfort before vanity and we will not attempt to get out the matts via brushing if it is causing pain to your dog.
We do not recommend removing matts at home, as you can seriously harm your dog by doing it improperly or risk cutting your dog.
If matting is too severe, dogs may need to be referred to a vet to remove the matting, which can lead to additional cost, sedation, etc. In severe cases, some dogs have had extremities removed in order to survive due to consequences of neglecting matting.
Preventing Matts
Dead, loose hairs should be removed through regular and thorough brushing. This is especially important for long haired dogs. Keeping your dog's hair at a manageable length also helps to prevent matting. Regular, professional grooming is essential as well for preventing matting.
Here at Bows & Bones, we are more than happy to discuss with you proper brushing techniques, what brushes to use, etc. We also offer brush out services that you can take advantage of for in between grooms. :)
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