Matted Dogs:
“My dog has a few knots, I have tried to cut them out myself but I can’t, I don’t want him shaved though” This is a very common problem and one that I can sympathise with.
To put it into context, imagine the look on your hairdressers face asking for a bouncy blow dry with a head full of dreadlocks!
We as groomers love dogs, we wouldn’t be in this business if we didn’t. Everyone wants their dog to look like a teddy bear or a puppy all the time but the reality is, they like to roll in poo. They love a good old forage and a muddy puddle. All longer haired dogs need to be brushed every day to achieve a constant knot free coat. Poodles and Cockerpoo’s or anything with a curly coat, twice a day. If this isn’t performed, your dog is likely to get matted or knotty. Matted dogs can get very uncomfortable, knots and tangles can rub the skin, restrict movement, cut off blood flow to the tail and ears, harvest bacteria and retain dampness against the skin just to name a few.
Brigthmoor follows the 5 Freedoms set out by the Animal Welfare Act.
The 5 Freedoms are:
FREEDOM FROM HUNGER AND THIRST ****FREEDOM FROM DISCOMFORT FREEDOM FROM PAIN, INJURY AND DISEASE FREEDOM TO EXPRESS NORMAL BEHAVIOUR FREEDOM FROM FEAR AND DISTRESS
HUMANITY MUST ALWAYS COME BEFORE VANITY!
De-Matting a dog can be a very painful process, it consists of pulling on the matted hair a bit like trying to comb a knot out of your own hair. Imagine that all over your body!!! That’s why we don’t do it. If your dog has a few knots, sure, well get them out, but for a dog that is matted, this would be a hellish few hours and not something that we as dog lovers are prepared to do.
The alternative is to shave your dog, a much better idea. We use blades that can seamlessly get under those pesky matts leaving your dog a lot happier to come back in to the salon and have another groom at a later date. Yes, you may have a short styled dog for a while which is not the desired style but luckily it grows back exceptionally quickly. Will regular brushing, mini groom visits and the correct home grooming regime, we can get your dog looking perfect again in no time!
So please remember, when your groomer says that your dog has to be shaved, it’s not to get at you, or because we are feeling lazy (trust us its much harder and more time consuming to clip off a matted coat than it is to style)! No one is judging, we know life gets busy, it is simply what is best for your beloved doggy. One thing we have in common is the love and wanting the best care and welfare for our 4 legged friends!