Matted coats can cause a variety of skin and health problems. Matted fur or hair does not allow the air to circulate around the skin, which can lead to hot spots and bacterial or fungal infections. In addition, fleas, ticks, maggots and other parasites may be lurking in the coat causing further skin problems.

Matted fur or hair also pulls and binds, causing pain to your pet when they move or lie down. The skin underneath may be raw and inflamed. Matted coats will not dry properly which can also lead to skin infections. Due to matting, your pet’s coat may need to be clipped extremely short for health reasons and afterwards the skin irritation and sores that were caused by the matting may become apparent. 

Furthermore, dogs that have not been groomed regularly may become stressed and find the grooming session painful. It is our goal to make your pet’s grooming experience as stress free as possible. It is unfeasible to de-matt/brush out the coat for any period longer than 10 minutes as this would cause excessive pain and suffering. As such, if your dog’s coat is found to be matted, it is our policy to shave the coat off. This is a short clip to remove all the matting.

There is a strong chance that your pet’s skin may become more irritated during the clip-off. Haematomas (bruises) may also occur. When a dog’s hair is matted the blood flow to the surface of the skin is restricted causing the skin to become thin. After the matts are removed, the blood rushes back to the surface of the skin and can cause a sensation in the dog which makes them shake themselves. This may then cause the skin to tear and bleeding to occur. 

Even with this risk it is still kinder to remove the matts for the welfare of the dog.

If matting is found and we need to do a full clip-off, you will be called and advised accordingly. We will also take photographs so that there is no misunderstanding about why this course of action is required.

Will also charge a further $10 on top of the full groom fee, as it takes more time and matted coats damages our equipment which is obviously a further expense to our groomers.

Furry Beginnings is happy to show you how to brush your pet correctly to keep matts at bay.