A Groomer's Guide to Matting: Everything You Need to Know
One of the most common issues our furry loved ones experiences are dense tangles and knots, most commonly known as matting. On the surface, they may seem harmless and not much of a worry. However, if you don't remedy the issue immediately, it can turn into pain which could ultimately lead to health concerns including skin irritations or parasites.
When your dog has matted hair, it can cut off the airflow in your dog's mane and trap the moisture, causing irritation and sores on your furry pets. Even when matting may not seem too bad, mild matting can still be painful and could cut off blood circulation in your dog's skin, causing hematomas. In other cases, dog matting can be severe, and you may need veterinarian treatment immediately.
Since every dog has different types of hair, some may need higher maintenance and could be more vulnerable to matting. This is why long-haired dogs and unique coats, such as Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Bichons, and Shih Tzus, need regular visits to their dog groomer to ensure all knots and tangles are dealt with.
In this article, we'll share with you what your groomer wants you to know about matting — the causes, treatments, and more. Let's take a look!
What Causes Matting?
- Friction: Matting often happens in areas of your dog where friction mostly happens. This includes your dog's armpits, where their collar sits, legs, behind the ears, or where they often scratch. For this reason, it's best to keep a close eye on these areas, dry them, and comb them out regularly to avoid matting.
- Seasonal: Another cause of matting could be the changing of the seasons. Some pups develop more matting in the time of the year where they are "blowing their coat" or shedding to their summer coat. When you don't brush away the loose fur, the dead skin mixes with the new fur and becomes a breeding ground for matted hair.
- Allergies: Dogs get allergies, too, especially long-haired dogs. Dogs with allergies often lick the itchy areas of their body, producing areas of matted hair.
- Fleas: When fleas and itches are present in your furry friend's body, they'll most likely scratch the area uncontrollably. Because they're producing friction in the area, your pups will most likely develop matted fur in these parts.
- Water: Water and moisture can contribute to matting and often show in between the legs or belly. And when the area gets wet constantly, their matting may worsen. This is why it's best to take your dog to dog groomers to ensure that they can deal with this issue professionally, giving your dog less discomfort.
Treatment and Dematting
When your dog's matting is mild, a simple brush out and detangling sprays and tools would often do the trick. But when your dog has a severe case of matting, it may be more painful, and going to your groomers is the safer choice.
Dematting should only be done by professional groomers since the process is quite complex. You'll need to take sections of their hair and use dematting tools to brush out and unknot these areas. In some cases, groomers may need to shave off your dog's hair to ensure that their mane grows properly and eliminates all the matted hair.
The Bottom Line: Leave Dematting to the Groomers
We only want the best for our dogs, and professional dog groomers, like Earthwise Pet Supply & Grooming, love your dogs as much as you do. Because of this, they can ensure that they'll be providing the best treatment and care for your furry loved ones.
Safari Shedding Comb for Long-haired Dogs
Depending on the severity of your dog's matted hair, they'll be able to find the best treatment that will give your dog relief — whether it be shaving your dog's hair to allow areas of irritation and to heal properly or by removing the matted coat one by one.
Why Choose Earthwise Pet Supply & Grooming Marysville?
Our furry loved ones need the best care they could get, and at Earthwise Pet Supply & Grooming Marysville, we can guarantee that your pups will get all the love and care they deserve.
We are a pet nutrition center and wellness spa that provides natural pet foods, raw foods, toys, treats, leashes, collars, and more. Besides that, we are also one of the best dog groomers in Marysville, providing in-house and at-home services. Check out our products and services today!