Shaving down a completely matted dog can be a challenging and intense experience for both your dog and the groomer. The best way to avoid the discomfort of matting for your dog and an additional de-matting fees with the groomer is to stay on a grooming schedule. We’re happy to help you schedule your next appointment during check out, so we can easily keep your pup on a schedule and mat free!

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what the de-matting process is like:

1. Assessing the Situation

When the dog first arrives, the groomer is often faced with a dense, tangled mess of mats covering large parts of the dog’s coat. The mats might be so tight that the skin underneath is hard to see, making it difficult to gauge the dog’s overall condition.

  • Initial Exam: The groomer will carefully assess the dog, checking for signs of skin irritation, cuts, or infection that could have been caused by the mats pulling on the skin.
  • Communication: Often, the groomer will talk to the dog’s owner to learn about the dog’s temperament, any past grooming experiences, or if there are specific areas of concern (like sensitive spots or injuries).

2. Preparing the Dog

Before diving into the shave, the groomer might try to gently comb through the mats, but often the tangles are so severe that this is impossible without causing pain or discomfort to the dog.

  • Calming Techniques: Some groomers use calming sprays or essential oils to help the dog relax, and they might talk to the dog in a soothing voice. If the dog is highly anxious, the groomer might also take breaks or use gentle pressure to calm them.

3. Shaving Process

When it comes time to shave down the matted coat, the groomer must be incredibly careful.

  • Shaving in Sections: The groomer starts by shaving in small sections. They’ll often use a clipper with a special blade to work through the mats, starting from the less sensitive areas and working their way to more delicate spots, like the belly or around the face.
  • Dealing with the Mats: Some mats are so tight that they have to be carefully cut apart with scissors first to avoid causing injury to the skin beneath. If the mats are especially dense, the groomer might need to break them apart with special dematting tools or clippers designed for tough mats.
  • Sensitivity: As the clippers or scissors move through the coat, the groomer must be vigilant not to nick the skin. Mats can hide cuts or sores beneath them, so it’s important to go slowly and be methodical. The dog may flinch or move suddenly, which can make this process more challenging.

4. Skin and Coat Check

Once the majority of the mats are gone, the groomer will check the dog’s skin for any redness, sores, or infections. Sometimes, a dog with severe mats might have skin irritation from the mats pulling on their skin, or it may even be infected, requiring medical attention.

  • Cool Down: If the matting was severe, the dog’s skin can be quite sensitive afterward. The groomer will give the dog a gentle bath to soothe the skin and remove any leftover loose fur. A hypoallergenic or soothing shampoo is often used, and the dog is carefully dried to avoid causing further irritation.

5. Finishing Touches

After shaving down the matting, the groomer may give the dog a trim to even out the coat and make it look tidy, depending on the breed and desired style.

  • Brushing: If there’s any remaining loose fur, the groomer will brush through it and make sure the dog’s coat is comfortable and free from tangles.
  • Post-Grooming Care: Some groomers apply a coat conditioner or soothing balm to the skin, especially if the dog’s skin was stressed or irritated during the process.

6. Emotional and Physical Strain

Shaving down a completely matted dog is both physically and emotionally taxing.

  • Physical Strain: The groomer is often on their feet for extended periods, carefully handling the dog, using various tools, and maneuvering around the dog’s body. It can also be physically demanding if the dog is wiggling or resisting.
  • Emotional Strain: If the dog is anxious or uncomfortable, the groomer may have to be extra patient. This can be emotionally exhausting, as the groomer needs to maintain a calm demeanor to help soothe the dog through the stressful experience.

7. The Final Result

Happy Ending: For the dog, the result is usually a huge relief. Once they are done, many dogs show signs of relaxation, shaking off the discomfort and often running around, happy to be free of the tight mats.

While the process is challenging and sometimes stressful, it’s rewarding for the groomer to see the transformation and know they’ve made the dog more comfortable. Remember that mats can cause health problems, so it’s important to keep your dog on a grooming schedule to avoid the de-matting process altogether.