Matted Dog Coat? What to Do Before Your Grooming Appointment
Mats are tight clumps of tangled hair that pull on your dog's skin every time they move. They're common in long, curly and double coats, and they can sneak up fast in Gainesville's humidity. Here's what to do if you find them.
What's safe at home
For small, loose tangles, a little detangling spray and your fingers can help. Work from the end of the hair toward the skin, gently, a little at a time. Stop if your dog pulls away or seems sore.
What to skip
Don't use scissors near the skin. Mats sit right against it, and it's very easy to cut your dog by accident.
Don't bathe a matted dog before the groom. Water tightens mats and makes them harder to remove.
Don't force a brush through a tight mat. It hurts, and it can make your dog nervous about grooming in the future.
What happens at the groomer
A professional groomer will check how tight the mats are and how your dog is handling it. Light tangles can often be brushed out. Heavier matting may need a shorter cut so the coat can grow back healthy, with your dog's comfort coming first. Because matted coats take extra time, the price can vary.
Preventing mats
Regular brushing with a slicker brush and a metal comb, plus a professional groom on a steady schedule, is the best way to stay ahead of them. Many owners add a mini groom between full grooms to keep the face, feet and sanitary areas tidy.
Get an estimate first
Text a photo of your dog's coat to 352-570-0887 and we'll let you know what to expect. You can see our grooming packages and prices on our dog and cat grooming page. New grooming clients get 25% off their pet's first groom.
