Matted Pets
Mats start as small tangles, and can quickly get tighter and more numerous, creating a matted animal. Usually the mats will be close to the skin and the longer top coat may not appear to be matted. New pet owners often do not realize the condition of the coat, or the severity of the situation. If the matting is very widespread, the only humane thing to do is to shave the coat short and start over. Letting the coat get to this point should be avoided at all costs. It is uncomfortable and restrictive for the animal to have mats pulling at their skin. Matted hair can also trap moisture, house parasites, and create skin irritations.
If caught early, it may be possible for the pet owner to brush out small mats and save the coat. Dog breeds which are more likely to mat are Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Poodles, Bichons, Miniature Schnauzers, Havanese, Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, and other Poodle mixes. Some cats can become severely matted as well, especially Persians. Common areas that become matted are behind the ears, the neck where the collar sits, the arm pits, the beard, the legs, between the toes, the tail, and groin area. On some fine coated dogs, the entire dog can become matted and can come off in one giant piece when shaved.
It is the pet owner's job to maintain the animal's coat between professional grooming appointments. We are happy to give tips on keeping your pet mat free.
Puppies
We love puppies! It is very important to get your puppy started early at the grooming salon. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you when your puppy will have enough immunity and be cleared to visit a grooming salon or pet shop. Ideally this will be by three months of age. As soon as you get the okay, bring your puppy in for a short visit, such as just a short bath or a toenail trim and some treats. The goal is to build up many positive experiences.
It is crucial that the puppy not become too matted, as even shaving out mats can be very uncomfortable, especially for a sensitive young dog. If you are new to a certain breed, it is better to bring the pup in too often than not enough. This is usually between 4-8 weeks, although certain dogs, with exceptional fine or long hair may need to come in more often. The grooming schedule also depends on how much time you have for brushing and combing at home.
We are dedicated to making your puppy's appointment with us as positive as possible. It can take several grooming sessions before your pup calmly accepts certain procedures such as having her head held for trimming. Please make every attempt to keep the coat in good shape, so that grooming will be a happy experience for your pet. If the pup's coat becomes neglected, it can have a lasting impression on how your dog will feel about getting groomed.
Elderly Pets
As our pets age their grooming needs may change. Older animals often become less tolerant of procedures that used to be no big deal. They often have arthritis which can make standing for long periods of time difficult. Sometimes their eyesight and hearing are greatly diminished, causing them to become fearful. When a dog or a cat is telling us it is too much for them, we are going to respect that and let you know. A poodle that has always had his feet shaved may need to be retired from that practice.
We care about your pet and will let you know how they are doing with their grooming. We will discuss options for making it easier on your pet as they enter their golden years.
Double Coated Breeds
Dogs such as Golden Retrievers, Pomeranians, Huskies, Shelties, Samoyeds, Australian Shepherds and
many others have a double coat, meaning they have darker guard coat and then a finer undercoat. It is
the undercoat which usually sheds when the weather gets warmer, and to a certain extent all year long. If not brushed out the under coat can contribute to the coat matting up and forming dreadlocks,
especially in the rear "feathers".
Professional grooming can help keep these types of coats in good shape, by removing much of the dead
undercoat. This means your dog will shed less around the house! Even though these dogs don't need
haircuts, they do need their nails trimmed and sometimes a little trimming to neaten them up.
We don't recommend shaving these breeds. Often the coat does not grow back the same and the
results can be drastic. We feel it is our job to let the customer know the risk if we shave your double
coated dog.