23/11/2022
It might be heart-wrenching to say, but there are times that I really donโt enjoy my job. This is because I am often tasked with grooming dogs that have not been brushed regularly, which leads to knots and an extremely uncomfortable dog when I try to brush these out! I have often been growled at or bitten trying to attempt this.
You may not be aware, but knots & mats are a serious problem and can be detrimental to your petโs wellbeing. Pets left in a matted condition are usually ignored or neglected by their owners, often un-intentionally. Many owners do not understand how wretched this condition makes their pet. Often people obtaining a puppy/new dog are not aware of how much time and care is required to properly maintain their coats, especially more so with certain breeds.
โข Knots/Mats are often found around the ears, underneath the armpits, below the neck, under the belly, and along the back legs.
โข Why does my pet become knotted/matted?
This is quite simply because their coat has not been properly cared for.
In todayโs busy life, many pet owners neglect maintaining their petsโ coats. Often, they do not understand or have not been advised how to properly comb and brush their pet. This needs to be done on a regular basis, with the pet being taught from puppy hood so that it learns to accept grooming as part of its daily routine. A dog cannot brush himself or herself, and home care is a part of the responsibility one must accepts when taking on a dog as a companion.
โข How can I keep my pet knots/mat free?
The amount of care required will depend on how much coat your pet has. Medium to long coats, and those with more undercoat will require more attention than short coats, although even short coats need some kind of attention. The proper tools are essential.
โข Proper tools are essential. Basic equipment required for most coats consist of:
1. A metal comb, preferably stainless steel.
2. A slicker brush.
3. De-mat spray with silicon.
Also, depending on your particular breed, other specific tools may be required.
These tools are mostly available from a local Pet Supply stores or online.
โข I have the tools, now what do I do?
For most breeds it is recommended to start at the bottom of the feet, push the coat up with one hand, and with the slicker brush in the other hand, brush the coat below, pulling down small portion of hair at a time, all the way to the skin. Work your way up using this method. Once you have gone over the entire coat you can then use the comb to run thought the coat to find any tangles or knots you may have missed. Make sure that you can part the coat with the comb so that you can see the skin as many people spend lots of time brushing only the top layer of the coat, this leads to lots of knots and mats near the skin.
โข Remember, it is not the Groomerโs fault your pet has fallen into this condition because DAILY COAT CARE IS TRULY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PET'S OWNER, and from this will find in the long run that proper coat maintenance will cost you less and your pet will be much happier.
โข I love dogs and their happiness is of the utmost importance to me. Grooming is an essential part of their welfare.
