Matted Pet! What to do...

By Anjie Coates, AnimalForum.com staff

Matting, ugh! Those awful clumps make your pets look lumpy.

There are three types of matting: sparse, loose matting that pulls free at the slightest touch (and is a small and rare event); clumping, large mats found in the bib and rump; and overall body matting that covers the body. Some pets get them behind their ears, others in their hindquarters, but no matter where a pet gets matted, the same information applies. Matting is undercoat that has clumped together from sweat, repeated scratching, or biting.

Why is matting bad?
Mats are like a baby diaper: They lie next to the skin and soak up moisture. The problem is, how often do you change your pet's mats? :-) The same principle that applies to a baby's skin applies to your dog's. If air cannot reach it, it will suffocate and become irritated. Matting will tighten and pull the irritated skin, causing lesions. You can't see the problems with the skin because matting is covering it. It also can keep you from spotting tumors, due to it's lumpy nature.

My pet is matted! What do I do?
For sparse, loose matting, a quick brushing will take care of it. For clumping, large mats, you will need to do a much more vigorous and complete brushing, with the proper tools. If the matting has clumped into hardened balls, you may need to have that section clipped by a groomer. For overall body matting, shaving is the only realistic and humane thing that can be done. It could take hours of painful brushing and pulling to remove body matting. Do not use scissors on your pet if you are untrained! Far too many pets are cut every day by owners who are trying to help, but unknowingly clip the pet's skin. The pet can be injured far worse than you know, and if you cannot see where you are cutting, you cannot know how deeply they have been cut. Older dogs and cats have paper-like skin that tears very easily. A small cut can turn into a huge rip. Stick to your brush, or call your groomer to help you get back on track.

How do I prevent matting?
Brushing, brushing, brushing! Any pet who can become matted needs weekly brushing. If you find that your dog's hair length is too much to handle, talk to your groomer about getting a haircut. Some breeds should not be cut down, but some do quite well with it. Cats, too, should be brushed. If you cannot keep up with your long-haired kitty's needs, find a groomer who is willing to do a brush and comb-out on a monthly basis. The cost is usually around $10, and it's worth every penny to keep your kitty healthy and happy.