Matted Coat Policy

Matted coats can cause a variety of skin and health problems. Matted fur does not allow the air to circulate to the skin, which can lead to hot spots, bacterial and fungal infections. Fleas, ticks, maggots and other parasites may be lurking in the coat causing further skin problems.

Matted fur also pulls and binds, causing pain to your pet when they move or lie down. The skin underneath may be raw and inflamed. Matted coats will not dry properly which can also lead to skin infections. Due to matting, your pet’s coat may need to be clipped extremely short and may show signs of skin irritation and sores. Dogs that have not been groomed regularly may become stressed and find the grooming session painful.

It is our goal to make your pet’s grooming experience as stress free as possible. It is unfeasible to de-matt/brush out the coat for any period longer than 15 minutes as this would cause excessive pain and suffering.
As such, if your dogs cost is found to be matted, it is our Policy, and in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 2006, to shave the coat off. This is a short clip, removing all the matting.

There is a strong chance that your pet’s skin may become more irritated during the clip off . Haematomas may also occur. This is where, due to the restriction of blood flow to the surface of the skin whilst matted, the skin becomes thin. After the matts are removed, the blood rushes back to the surface of the skin and can cause a sensation to the dog which makes them shake themselves. This may then cause the skin to tear and bleeding to occur. Even with this risk it is still kinder to remove the matts for the welfare of the dog.

If matting is found and we need to do a full clip off, you will be called and advised accordingly. We will also take photographs so that there is no misunderstanding of why we needed this course of action.
Will also charge a further £20 on top of the full groom fee as matted coats damages our equipment which is obviously a further expense to our business.

Doggie-Styles are happy to source the relevant brushes, combs and dematting sprays for you to use in between professional grooming and are also quite happy to show you how to brush your pet correctly to keep matts at bay.

Should your dog require veterinary treatment due to skin irritation from matting or haematomas the cost of this is bourne by the owner.