By Elsebeth DeBiase,
BAminSC, ICMG, FFCP, LSHC-S
Coastal Creations Pet Salon, Owner
Is your dog's hair all tangled up? Matted hair can be a hassle for pets and their people. Often, dog owners attempt grooming at home and turn to professional pet stylists when the mats become too challenging. Let's face it: life happens, and pets will get mats occasionally. The key to dealing with mats is to prevent them from forming in the first place. When mats happen, it is essential to understand how they occur, the risk factors, and how to avoid them.
What are Mats?
Mats are clumps of hair that form when individual strands become tightly twisted and interwoven, commonly involving both attached and shed hair. Breeds with long or curly hair are especially susceptible to matting, as well as double-coated shedding breeds. The constant rubbing of hairs as a dog moves creates friction, leading to the formation of mats. The ears, muzzle, armpits, tail, and rear are prone to matting. Factors that accelerate mat formation include:
• Dirt
• Static
• Swimming
• Wet grass
• Snow
• Scratching
• Licking
• Collars
• Harnesses
• Clothing
PHOTO OF A DOUBLE-COATED BREED WITH A MATTED UNDERCOAT.
Mats are Risky Business
Matted hair pulls on pet's skin, causing pain; even mild matting is uncomfortable. Mats are often hidden, causing potential health concerns, and prompting pets to be wary of grooming. In extreme cases, tight matting can impede proper toileting activities, limit movement, and restrict blood flow to appendages. Common hazards of matting include:
1. A reluctance to be groomed
2. Skin irritations and hot spots
3. Hair soiled with urine and feces
4. Parasites such as fleas and ticks
5. Concealment of injuries
6. Strangulation mats
Prevention
Regular grooming is key to preventing mats. Daily nose-to-tail brushing and combing will maintain coat health and prevent tangles, especially in pets with medium to long hair. Gentle brushing with a soft slicker and combing easily removes mild tangles and small mats. However, keeping the coat length manageable is equally important; this is where professional groomers come in. Regular visits to a professional groomer will safeguard your dog's well-being and prevent matted hair by thoroughly cleaning, drying, trimming, and eliminating tangles. Canine stylists understand your dog's needs and will determine a grooming schedule best suited for them based on the following factors:
• Coat type
• Coat texture
• Desired coat length
• Lifestyle
• Life stage
• Animal behavior
• Animal comfort
• Costs
If you feel overwhelmed with grooming at home, please don't worry. Consider contacting a professional groomer who can guide you in caring for your dog's coat as well as assess your home grooming tools and techniques. Minor adjustments can make you and your dog feel more at ease and confident. It is essential to avoid dealing with severe matting or mats close to the skin in-home grooming sessions, as this can be painful and lead to expensive injuries. Lastly, if your dog continues to experience grooming challenges, seek advice from a veterinarian or certified professional groomer.