Matted coats
A mat is not just an untidy clump of hair. It is a felted pad that pulls on the skin, can trap moisture, and can be painful to work through if it is left to tighten.
Mats form where hair rubs: behind the ears, under a collar or harness, in the armpits and groin, and in feathering that has collected grass or mud. A curly or soft coat will felt faster than a short one, but any longer coat can mat if it is not combed to the skin. After a swim or a wet walk, a coat that is towelled on the surface and then left to dry in tangles is an especially common cause.
Do not bathe a badly matted coat in the hope the water will loosen it. Wet felt usually shrinks and tightens. Do not cut towards the skin with scissors, especially on a wriggling dog — it is very easy to cut the dog. If the mat is tight, small and on a long fringe, you may be able to ease it with a little time and a comb once the coat is dry; if it is close to the skin or covers a larger area, get help.
Sometimes the kindest option is to take the felted coat off rather than spend a long time trying to comb it out. That can be upsetting to see, and it is still often the more comfortable choice for the dog. We would rather talk about that on the phone, in advance, than surprise you. If the skin under a mat looks sore, broken or infected, speak to your vet first.
If you would like us to look at a matted coat, bring your dog to our salon in Banbury and call 07354 545263 beforehand so we can plan the visit. We don’t offer mobile grooming. There is more on prevention in our notes on brushing and de-shedding.
Give us a call to book your dog in at our Banbury salon, or to ask for directions.