What is matting, how does it occur and why is it a health hazard?
A mat is a tightly knotted mass of hair that forms when an animal's natural oils mix with shedding fur, undercoat layers, and dirt/debris, causing the hair to become tangled and wound together.
Matted hair is commonly found in areas that experience frequent friction or rubbing, like under the collar or harness, behind the ears, and in the armpits and groin.
Failing to regularly brush and comb the coat with the right tools and techniques can lead to mats forming. In addition to infrequent grooming, other factors like allowing a wet coat to dry without brushing, the transition from a puppy coat to an adult coat, or using improper grooming tools that weaken and damage the fur, can contribute to matting.
Soft, curly, or double coats often require more maintenance and are more prone to matting.
Mat-related health issues can include:​
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irritated, itchy, sensitive skin
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damage, tears, scabs and sores on the skin
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infections
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foxtails/burrs imbedded in the skin/ears
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bleeding/bruising
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restricted blood flow/blood blisters
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parasitic infestations
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improper temperature regulation
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mold, fungus, or bacteria due to trapped moisture
What will we do when matting is present?
Matting Classification
Class I - $25
minor to moderate matting across a few areas on the body, that can be spot-shaved or de-matted safely
Class II - $50
severe matting across the body, or multiple areas, pelted coat, or densely compacted undercoat
During check-in, your trained and experienced bather/groomer will conduct a thorough nose-to-toes assessment of your pet and discuss the best approach for your dog with you. They will continue to evaluate the matting throughout the early stages of the bathing and grooming process, and if anything beyond what was initially discussed is needed, we will contact you.
Depending on the severity of the matting, we may use a variety of techniques, tools, and products. In some cases, we'll aim to preserve as much of the coat as possible, but this will depend on your dog’s sensitivity and the extent of the matting. We prioritize your pet's comfort and will avoid causing any unnecessary stress or discomfort when de-matting, and we will not de-mat excessively matted coats.
In cases of severe matting where the coat becomes tightly matted to the skin and cannot be safely de-matted (we refer to this as pelted), your groomer may recommend shaving it down to allow a new coat to grow in. This “fresh start” approach will be accompanied by a recommendation for an improved grooming routine moving forward. It’s often recommended to shorten the coat to a more manageable length and style, and to reduce the time between grooming appointments.
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Our commitment is to your pet’s wellbeing. If minimal matting exists that can be safely and easily removed, there will be no additional charge.
Please inform us of any matting on your dog when scheduling an appointment. A matting charge may be applied during the appointment if your bather/groomer determines it necessary to complete the service safely.
What is a Special Handling Service and when is it applied?
These supplemental services are for pets that experience difficulties during the bathing/grooming process and require additional resources, such as another employee, extra time, different tools/techniques, or even a separated bathing/grooming area to complete the appointment.
Our Special Handling Services are often utilized for anxious, aggressive, reactive, seizure-prone, senior, or disabled pups.
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There are some instances where your groomer may determine that Muddy Paws is not the right fit for your pet. Your pup may require a quieter salon, mobile grooming, etc. in order to receive the best experience possible. In this case, your pet will be released from our care and alternative solutions will be discussed.
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Special Handling Services can be requested when scheduling an appointment, or may be applied if your bather/groomer determines it necessary to complete the service in a safe and appropriate manner.
Extra Care
extra breaks during the service, a slower pace, more kennel dryer time, a breed-standard haircut, or any other situation requiring additional appointment time
$25
Extra Hands
2 or more employees required to complete the appointment in a safe and/or timely manner (to be determined by bather/groomer only)
$20
Extra Zen
use of our separated, quiet and private bathing room and/or drying room to provide a more relaxed and less stressful experience
$15