What About Matted Pets?

“But I brush my pet everyday”. 

“The kids were supposed to be brushing the cat”. 

“I don’t know why my dog is matted because I bath him once a week”. 

“We were on holidays and when we came back the dog was a mess”. 

“It’s too cold outside and we don’t want her shaved”. 

“My husband and kids like the dog fluffy”.

These are all comments most professional pet groomers hear almost everyday.  Some of these comments are wonderful excuses and others are valid points.  If you are a dog guardian that can admit that you have said one of these comments or want to keep your pet comfortable and matt free read on!

If you have chosen a breed of dog or cat that has longer fur, thick undercoat or a bit of both you are in for a grooming challenge.  No one said that grooming is easy!  Learning about what coat type your pet has will help you understand what grooming needs they will require.  Most pets regardless of breed or coat type should be brushed and their eyes, teeth, skin, ears and nails checked and dealt with at least once a week.  This will keep the average pet neat and clean and any health issues such as fleas,lumps, skin problems and ear infections can be dealt with quickly.  Some coat types require brushing more than once a week to stay matt free.  This is a break down of the most common coat types and what grooming needs they require.

Short haired coats: (examples. Labradors, Boston Terriers, Boxers) These coats require minimal brushing because the fur is short and smooth.  Brushing once a week with a rake or rubber curry brush will keep shedding under control, will distribute natural skin oils and increase the animal’s circulation.  Nails should be clipped, ears cleaned and teeth brushed at least once a week.

Wire haired coats: (examples. German Wirehaired Pointer, Standard Schnauzer, Airdale, Westie) This coat type is very rough, wiry and dense and requires brushing 1-2 times per week and professional grooming every 2-3 months.   The longer the coat is kept the more often it will require brushing, especially if they are active and getting dirty.  Clipping the coat shorter will help to keep the coat from matting and cut down on the amount of brushing.  Some people choose to handstrip these coats to keep their color and wiry texture but this should be done regularly by a professional whom is knowledgeable in handstripping.  Nails should be clipped, teeth brushed and ears cleaned at least once a week.

Long haired/ Curly coats(Ragdoll cats, Bearded Collie, Shih Tzu, Bichon, Poodle, Cocker, Havanese) These coats require quite a lot of maintenance to keep  them matt free and keep the skin healthy.  These animals need to be brushed every other day and kept on a regular professional grooming schedule ( about every 6-8 weeks).  Keeping these coats scissored or clipped short will cut down on the brushing time and extend the length of time between groomings.  Some of these breeds (e.g. Poodle) have not been bred to withstand the elements naturally, so keeping these coats longer in the winter does not really help to keep them that much warmer.  If they are well groomed and kept longer it will keep them a bit warmer but if they are long and matted the coat will hold moisture close to the skin and cause the animal discomfort and may even cause skin problems.  Nails should be clipped, ears cleaned and teeth brushed at least once a week.

Shedding/ Double coats: Most dogs and cats do shed.  There are only a few breeds that are actually considered “non-shedding” or “hypo-allergenic”.  Breeds such as the Husky, Malamute, Shepherd, Keeshond and Pomeranian have more of a “double coat”.  This means there is a soft, downy type fur close to the skin that insulates the animal from the elements.  Then there is another, stiffer, longer type fur on the outside that protects the skin from being penetrated by the rain, snow and sun.  Double coated animals shed year round (even if they are shaved) but tend to “blow” their coats more in the spring and fall.  Contrary to popular belief, shaving or scissoring a double coated dog or cat does not keep them cooler or it does not stop the shedding.  When you shave or scissor the important guard hairs off, you take away any protection the animal has from the rain or sun.  The animal becomes hot if the thick undercoat fur has not been properly removed.  Shaving and scissoring this coat type also can cause the coat not to grow back the same.  These coats should be brushed approximately twice a week and professionally groomed 3-4 times per year depending on how much vacuuming you want to do!  Nails should be clipped, ears cleaned and teeth cleaned at least once a week.

Now that you know what coat type your pet has and it’s grooming requirements, here are some tips to help prevent matting:

1. Brushing keeps the fur matt free only if it is done properly.  Always lift the fur and brush right down to the skin.  Many people do a fine job of brushing only the top of the fur.  When you have finished brushing the entire coat always go through it again with a metal comb.  The comb will catch any nags you missed.
2. NEVER bath a matted dog.  Soap, water and scrubbing actually pelt the fur and tangle the matts closer to the skin.  Always brush and comb the fur out before the bath.  Try to blow dry the fur after and use a brush to prevent the fur from getting curly and tangled.
3. Use a shampoo and conditioner formulated for the use specific to your pet’s species.  Use a spray-on conditioner between baths to keep static down and to help with the detangling.
4. Ask your groomer about special tools and products that can assist you between professional groomings.
5. Scheduling professional grooming appointments in advance will ensure your pet receives professional grooming on time, not 3 weeks late because your groomer is too booked or you forgot.
6. A trained pet that knows basic commands and is used to being handled makes for a much happier and comfortable grooming experience for the both of you and for your groomer or vet.
7. Make sure you schedule your pet to be professionally groomed BEFORE you go on holidays so that the coat is easy to maintain for whoever is looking after them.
8. Leaving your pet matted means they are uncomfortable all of the time because the matts continually pull on their skin.  Many health issues can arise such as hotspots and fleas or lice.   Fleas love to live in matted fur!  Asking your groomer to dematt a badly matted dog or cat is torture and in my opinion inhumane because it does cause them pain and discomfort.

Remember that grooming takes practice for both you and your pet, so don’t get discouraged too quickly and trade your furball in for a hairless variety!  With a little patience you will be amazed at the special bond you will form and when you see how beautiful, healthy and happy your pet is, it will all be worth it.