As a groomer I am faced with hair matts almost everyday and almost 100% of the people I see DO NOT know how dangerous a hair matt can be to a dog.

FIRST: Do NOT give a dog with a hair matt a bath, or let them play in the rain/snow! This only causes the matt to tighten.

If you find a matt gently rub some baby powder into it, that should help loosen the hair then comb it out, or cut out as much as you can if it is very big then comb it out. IF all else fails you can always take the dog to a groomer or the vet for removal. If the matt is very close/tight to the skin you can use clippers to take it out, YES the dog will have a spot in their coat that is shorter BUT at times that is the only way to solve the problem, and that is better than if it isnt taken care of.

Hair matts twist and tighten and can cause skin break down, if they are located on the genitals or rear of a dog they can impeade the elimination process and cause infections (ITS AWFUL!!!) and if left long enough they can even pose a problem in joint movement.

I have had dogs in here that had to be SHAVED all the way down to the skin all over their body because they were so matted!!!! To think a brushing once or twice a week (depending on coat) would solve this problem and make for a healthier/happier pet

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LuvMyHubby
PROUD Mom of an enlisted man currently in Iraq
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