What To Expect From Shaving a Matted Pet
Heavy matting can be even more of a problem for a dog or cat than expected. Matted hair can hold tears, feces and urine next to the skin. This can cause irritation, pain, and potential skin infections. If left for a long time it can cause hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) and/or hyperkeratosis (elephant skin). Heavily matted hair can change a dog/cat's movement, cut off circulation, or hide infected wounds.
What To Expect From Shaving a Matted Pet
Heavy matting can be even more of a problem for a dog or cat than expected. Matted hair can hold tears, feces and urine next to the skin. This can cause irritation, pain, and potential skin infections. If left for a long time it can cause hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) and/or hyperkeratosis (elephant skin). Heavily matted hair can change a dog/cat's movement, cut off circulation, or hide infected wounds.
- Wipe Your Paws does not wish to cause serious or undue stress to your pet, and will not continually de-mat/brush out your pet for you if we deem it will be painful for them. In severe cases we may refer you to a veterinarian for care.
- When necessary, removing a heavily matted coat includes risks of nicks, cuts or abrasions due to warts, moles or skin folds trapped in the mats. Heavy matting can also trap moisture and urine near the pet's skin allowing mold, fungus or bacteria to grow, causing skin irritations that existed prior to the grooming process.
- After effects of mat removal procedures can include itchiness, skin redness, self-inflicted irritations, hematomas or abrasions and failure of the hair to re-grow.
- In some cases, pets may also exhibit brief behavioral changes (lethargy, body rubbing, back rolling, licking, hiding, etc). Extra monitoring of your pet’s behavior is encouraged/may be required.
- Hot spots, eczema, parasites, wounds or worse may be uncovered. The removal of the matting also allows your pet to get to all the itchy areas they were previously unable to reach. Do not allow your pet to scratch, lick or chew themselves or rub themselves on the carpet or furniture. If you allow this, your pet may cause further, painful damage to its skin and large vet bills for you.
- Dead, loose hairs should be removed through regular brushing. This is especially important for long-haired pets and pets that shed seasonally. Brushing aerates the skin and is essential in maintain a healthy coat. Regular grooming is essential in your pet’s care and health. Brushing also aerates the fur and skin. Regular grooming appointments should be made every 4-6 weeks to prevent matting and keep the skin and fur healthy.