Extreme Makeovers: Tackling Matted Coats
Heavy matting isn't just a bad hair day, it hurts your dog. I help them get comfortable and happy again with safe, patient grooming sessions.
This is what severe matting looks like. This Shih Tzu came to me with fur so overgrown and tangled around his face that he could barely see. This condition can cause skin infections and a lot of discomfort.
And this is the same dog after we carefully shaved down the matted coat. He looks like a completely different dog, happy and full of life. We call him our little sheep because of the mountain of fur he left behind.
This Shih Tzu is relaxing after a much-needed grooming session. Many small, long-haired breeds are prone to matting if not brushed regularly, but we can always help them get back to feeling comfortable and clean.
About Extreme Makeovers: Tackling Matted Coats
Matting pulls on the skin and can hide nasty infections, so we do not just shave it off. We go slow to keep your dog calm. If the mats are tight against the skin, I use a two-person team approach to make sure the process is pain-free and safe, rather than rushing and causing cuts or stress.
Heavy matting happens for many reasons. Sometimes it is the weather, sometimes just a busy week where you forgot to brush, or maybe your dog hates the comb. Whatever the reason, do not feel guilty. What matters is acting before it gets worse. Mats pull at the skin every time your dog moves. This causes constant pain and can hide skin infections, hot spots, or even ticks.
When you bring your dog to me for an extreme makeover, I look at the severity first. If the matting is tight, we avoid painful pulling. Instead, we use the 'Therapeutic & Complex Grooming' approach. I bring in a team member, and we work slowly. One of us keeps your dog calm and distracted with treats, while the other carefully removes the mats. If the mats are too close to the skin, a short clip is the only safe way to go. It might look different than what you are used to, but it is the only way to let the skin breathe and heal.
After the hair is cleared, I focus on the 'aftercare'. We use medicated baths to treat any skin irritation and ensure the coat is thoroughly dried. A damp coat under mats is a breeding ground for fungus. We will also talk about how to prevent this later, like using a slicker brush or getting regular sanitary trims. My goal is to make sure your bachha leaves feeling light, happy, and free from the discomfort of heavy fur.
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