Imagine this: You schedule an appointment to groom your beloved dog. Upon arrival, you receive the unfortunate news that the matting on your dog is "too severe," necessitating a shave. Many pet owners can relate to this frustrating situation. It’s disheartening to be confronted with the reality that your grooming efforts were insufficient. At Le Pawsh, we understand the disappointment this brings. It’s never easy for us to deliver such news, as we genuinely care about your pet’s well-being and appearance. Our mission is to provide exquisite haircuts that showcase your dog’s personality, and when a matting situation prevents that, it impacts us just as much. Our priority is your pet's health; therefore, starting fresh with a new coat is often the best course of action if the matting has taken hold. This decision allows us to ensure a safe, comfortable grooming experience, paving the way for beautiful styles in the future. From the moment you drop off your pup to when you pick them up, they receive a our spa day treatment, crafted with care and artistry. We appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate these challenging grooming situations together, keeping your dog's best interests at heart.

So what is matting and how can we prevent it?

Mats are tangles and knots that cause clumps of hair to become fused together. While not all matting necessitates shaving, it is essential for all forms of matting to receive prompt attention. Breeds with longer hair coats, such as Yorkshire Terriers and Poodle, and Poodle mixes, are particularly susceptible to this issue. If left unmanaged, matting can escalate to the point of requiring a full shave down. The discomfort caused by mats can range from mild irritation to severe pain for your dog. Once a mat forms and is neglected, it can begin to twist the skin, cutting off blood circulation, resulting in complications such as irritation, sores, and hematomas, which may require veterinary intervention. Regular grooming and maintenance are vital in preventing matting and ensuring your pet's comfort and health.

Though we all desire a stylish haircut for our dogs, humane treatment must always take precedence. When your groomer or Le Pawsh Stylist indicates that your dog needs to be shaved, there are valid reasons for that decision. If a magical tool existed that could effortlessly remove severe matting, every groomer would possess it. If you happen to create such an invention, I wish you luck on Shark Tank! Attempting to brush out severe mats is not only impractical but also inhumane. Every groomer eventually faces frustration from clients who react negatively when we refuse to cause further suffering to their pets by trying to detangle what cannot be detangled instead of opting for a shave. It’s crucial to remember that your dog's coat will grow back.

There are countless ways that your dog can become matted; the most common are due to improper brushing and inconsistent or infrequent grooming. Friction areas such as the armpits, under the collar, and the ears are particularly susceptible to matting. Depending on the maintenance level of your companion, most pups should be groomed every 3-6 weeks. It is important to keep the coat at a manageable length that aligns with your lifestyle and at-home care capabilities. During seasonal transitions, especially into summer, shedding of the undercoat can accumulate and lead to deep matting. Additionally, if your pup is dealing with fleas or allergies, excessive licking and scratching can create mats as well. For those who choose to bathe their dogs at home or allow them to get wet, it is crucial to ensure thorough drying afterward. Air-drying can leave the fur damp and tangled, which further exacerbates the matting problem.

To avoid all the headaches and discomfort for your pup, you’ll need to invest time and effort. For some, this translates to daily brushing. While brushing might seem straightforward, matting becomes a problem if it’s dismissed as easy. Achieving success in this task requires practice, patience, and integrating it into your daily routine. We recommend the Chris Christensen coral slicker brush and a quality metal comb for all curly-coated breeds. Variations of both tools are available at Le Pawsh, and our team can guide you through your options during your next visit. The brush features long bristles that reach the skin, effectively lifting deep tangles, while the comb allows you to verify your progress. Always consult your groomer or Stylist about the best products and techniques for your specific dog!

Obviously, not all dogs face grooming challenges, but for those that do, they require extra care. This includes thorough brushing that reaches the skin throughout every section of their coat—the back, legs, pits, tail, face, and even the rear. Proper grooming not only allows your pup to achieve a fantastic haircut but also significantly improves their comfort and well-being. There are specific techniques for brushing that the team at Le Pawsh can show during your next visit.

Our guide to proper brushing can be found here:

How to Brush

The last point to consider is the costs associated with de-matting processes at Le Pawsh. There is a common myth that groomers will claim dogs are matted in order to shave them, which saves time. While we cannot speak for everyone in this industry, we can state with certainty that this is not common practice. Groomers typically enter this field out of their love for dogs and to create art with a fluffy companion. As your pet’s owner, it is essential to find a grooming salon that does not sacrifice safety and style for time efficiency. There are grooming shops that prioritize a quantity-over-quality approach, while Le Pawsh stands as the antithesis to this.

Matting is preventable. What happens to your dog’s skin and coat after our care is beyond our control. De-matting is an additional charge because we do not accept responsibility for the state of your dog when you arrive. It is your responsibility to care for their coat, schedule grooming services more frequently, or request a length that you can manage at home. Our dedication to safety means we will devote the time necessary to ensure the de-matting process is safe and humane. While we would prefer to make your dog look fluffy and cute, we will take the proper steps to reset their coat if needed, all of which takes time.

Since matting creates a layer of fused hair between your dog’s skin and our grooming tools, we typically shave before the bath. Shaving after the bath can prevent us from thoroughly drying the coat, which presents risks. In both scenarios, our tools experience increased wear and tear. Using clippers or shears on matted coats, whether wet or dirty, damages them, leading to a need for more frequent sharpening or replacement. The tools we use are not inexpensive; they are delicate, cared for extensively, and essential for our services.

Caring for a dog can be a lot of work. But your friends at Le Pawsh are here to help where we can.