Rubbing your dog’s legs with a towel after a walk, rubbing harnesses, wet muddy walks (is there any other kind with the English weather?), bathing at home and not brushing out properly afterwards, insufficient brushing and combing at home, leaving too much time between grooming visits…… all these factors add up and can cause knots and tangles.
Now, the odd knot and tangle is to be expected. As a groomer, I’m shocked when dogs don’t have the occasional knot. I have good salon products, conditioners, and sprays that can help to harmlessly brush out many tangly areas.
However, if knots cover a large portion of your dog (full legs for example), if the knots are tight, or close to the skin, or if your dog simply won’t tolerate being brushed out, then the only humane option will be to shave off the matted areas.
I will not put any animal through painful de-matting. Hair will grow back.
I don’t like shaving off dogs, I want your dog to be a fluffy, walking advertisement for my business and my skills, but never at the price of hurting a dog.
Matting is extremely uncomfortable for your dog. The skin underneath can’t get air to it and regulate heat. If it gets wet in the rain, the skin can’t dry properly and can become chapped and sore. Skin problems are often hiding under dogs that are matted for some time. Matts around the genitals can lead to urine burn as the hair soaks up the urine and keeps it close to the skin, matts on the face can lead to eye infections.
I can’t stress how important it is to keep to a regular grooming schedule to avoid this situation & having your dog shaved short.
If they are shaved short, it is not the end of the world. Hair grows back.
I don’t judge, we all have busy lives, brushing our dog isn’t always top of our priorities. It happens (more often than you think)! We can start afresh.
Advice on brushing at home is always free and encouraged. Please, never be afraid to ask.
