Matted dog grooming in Milwaukee: what can be done about a badly matted coat?
Put the scissors down and call a groomer. Small tangles can sometimes be worked out, but a coat that's matted tight to the skin often has to come off short. If you see sores or your dog is in pain, see your vet first.
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Why are mats more than a cosmetic problem?
Mats pull on the skin. According to the ASPCA, even mild matting can lead to skin irritation and progress to infected lesions, and severe matting can cause wounds by cutting off circulation.
Location counts too. Mats around the rear can make it hard for a dog to go to the bathroom. And they make a good hiding place: fleas and ticks can live deep in a matted coat, out of your sight. In Wisconsin, where tick season normally runs April through September, that's worth a thought.
Should you shave a matted dog?
Often, yes, once mats are tight against the skin. That's a call for the groomer to make with hands on the coat. Dematting a dense coat can be slow and uncomfortable, and for many dogs a short clip is the kinder choice.
If the tangles are small and loose, they can sometimes be combed out in a session. Either way, nobody can promise much over the phone. A coat that sounds manageable in a description can be a different story up close.
Why not just cut the mats out yourself?
Because the skin is closer than it looks. The ASPCA and VCA both warn against cutting mats out with scissors.
A mat pulls skin up into itself, so the fold you're about to snip may be your dog. If one is bothering your dog before an appointment, leave it alone and mention it when you call.
What should you tell the groomer when you call?
- Where the mats are. Behind the ears, armpits and rear are all worth checking.
- Your dog's breed or coat type, and weight.
- When your dog last had a full groom.
- Any sores, redness or spots your dog won't let you touch.
- Whether your dog has been through a dematting or shave-down before and how it went.
Two things to settle before you hang up: how they price it, and whether they take matted dogs at all. Expect to pay more than the posted starting prices.
How do you keep mats from coming back?
Brush on a schedule that suits the coat, and book the next groom before you need it.
- Long, silky or curly coats: brush every day (VCA).
- Double coats: at least weekly, more during a shed (AKC).
- Short, smooth coats: about once a week (ASPCA).
- Shih Tzus: a groom every four to six weeks (AKC).
More on timing in the FAQ.
Got a coat that needs a professional?
Call and describe the mats. It helps to know what you're dealing with before the van shows up.
Call (414) 310-0049